HOUSTON — In a thrilling conclusion to their playoff series, the Golden State Warriors rallied past the Houston Rockets, securing a 103-89 victory in Game 7 Sunday night. Buddy Hield emerged as an unexpected star, delivering an impressive performance that saw him score 33 points, including nine 3-pointers. Stephen Curry contributed significantly in the fourth quarter, netting 14 of his 22 points and sealing the win with his trademark flair.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr lauded his team’s fortitude after a tense series. “We were fortunate to come out on top,” he said, highlighting the team’s resilience throughout the matchup. Golden State’s victory sets up a semifinal clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves, scheduled for Tuesday night.
Hield’s remarkable first half was a game-changer, as he shot 6-of-8 from beyond the arc, propelling the Warriors to a 12-point lead by halftime. Curry, who had been relatively quiet up to that point with only three points, took charge in the closing moments, showcasing his popular “night night” gesture to the crowd as the game neared its conclusion.
Kerr praised Hield not only for his offensive prowess but also his defensive contributions. “It was a two-way performance,” Kerr noted, emphasizing Hield’s all-around impact on the game. This win marks the Warriors as the seventh No. 7 seed in NBA history to advance to the semifinals, adding another chapter to their playoff rivalry with the Rockets, whom they have eliminated five times in postseason play since 2015.
Draymond Green, who has faced Houston multiple times in high-stakes games, acknowledged the competitive spirit of the series. He referenced Rockets guard Fred VanVleet’s comments about the current team dynamics, remarking on the Warriors’ familiarity with the pressure of these matchups. “It’s that organization though,” Green stated, reflecting on their successful history against the Rockets.
The Warriors’ shooting was particularly lethal, as they shot 9-of-11 from 3-point range, far outpacing the Rockets’ 6-of-18 shooting from long distance. “I was just trying to embrace the moment,” Hield shared postgame, describing his approach to the critical game.
Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 24 points, but despite winning their last two games to force a deciding seventh match, Houston couldn’t overcome Golden State’s postseason experience. Rockets coach Ime Udoka expressed disappointment but noted the necessity for growth moving forward. “This is a letdown for us, but we need to use this as motivation,” Udoka said.
Golden State held a narrow lead entering the final quarter and pulled ahead with an early scoring run, giving them the momentum they needed to maintain control. Curry’s sharp shooting down the stretch proved pivotal, as he converted a contested three-pointer and assisted Hield for another, effectively sealing the fate of the Rockets.
Despite the loss, Houston’s efforts in the series showcased potential, particularly through VanVleet, who had 55 points combined in the previous two games but felt he could have contributed more in the finale. “First playoffs is no excuse; I need to perform better,” he admitted, reflecting on his performance.
Meanwhile, several Rockets, including Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, faced challenges in scoring when it mattered most. Golden State’s victory was bittersweet for the Rockets, marking a swift exit from the playoffs as they aimed for redemption after returning to postseason play for the first time since 2020. The Warriors, on the other hand, remain in pursuit of another championship, bolstered by the contributions of new addition Jimmy Butler, who added 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists to the winning effort.