Warriors Shock Rockets in Game 7 Upset, Advance to Face Timberwolves
In a thrilling Game 7 showdown that defied expectations, the seventh-seeded Golden State Warriors silenced the Houston Rockets’ home crowd with a resounding 103-89 victory. The Warriors, fueled by a phenomenal performance from Buddy Hield and a resilient second-half surge from Steph Curry, secured their place in the Western Conference Semifinals, where they will face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The game, played on Sunday, was a tale of two halves for the Warriors. Curry, the team’s talisman, struggled mightily in the first half, managing a mere three points. However, Hield stepped up in a massive way, carrying the offensive load with a playoff career-high 33 points, 22 of which came in the first two quarters. His scorching shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, kept the Warriors within striking distance.
Hield finished the game with an impressive stat line: 12-for-15 from the field and a blistering 9-for-11 from three-point range. His first-half performance was particularly crucial, as he went 8-for-9 from the field, including 6-for-7 from deep. This offensive outburst helped to negate Curry’s early struggles, where he missed his first five shots and didn’t score until late in the second quarter with a 3-pointer.
The Warriors’ experience and championship pedigree shone through in the second half. Coach Steve Kerr, along with veterans Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, orchestrated a strategic shift that turned the tide of the game. Curry found his rhythm, scoring 19 points in the second half, including 14 in the fourth quarter, as Golden State seized control. He also contributed 10 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, and two steals, showcasing his all-around impact.
Green added 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Butler chipped in with 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. The collective effort from the Warriors’ core proved too much for the Rockets to handle.
The Warriors dominated from beyond the arc, outscoring the Rockets 54-18 on 3-pointers. They shot an impressive 41.9% from three-point range, a testament to their offensive system and shooting prowess.
For the Rockets, Amen Thompson led the way with 24 points, and Alperen Sengun recorded a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds. However, Jalen Green’s offensive struggles continued, as he managed only eight points, and Dillon Brooks also had eight points. The Rockets shot just 40.5% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range, a significant drop-off compared to the Warriors’ efficiency.
The Game 7 victory was particularly significant considering the historical trends. Home teams had won 113 of 152 Game 7s prior to Sunday’s contest. However, recent history has favored road teams, with at least one road team winning a Game 7 in each of the past eight NBA playoffs, including two road Game 7 winners in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Furthermore, the Warriors avoided becoming another team to squander a 3-1 series lead. Teams that led a best-of-seven series 3-1 had won the series 279 out of 292 times before Sunday’s game.
The Warriors’ triumph marked just the third time in the past 16 seasons that a seven seed has defeated a two seed in the playoffs. The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Dallas Mavericks in 2010 and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023 accomplishing the same feat.
A key moment in the game was a 12-0 Warriors run late in the fourth quarter, which extended their lead to 94-74, effectively sealing the victory. Curry’s offensive explosion in the final two quarters, coupled with the Warriors’ defensive intensity, proved insurmountable for the Rockets.
The Warriors’ ability to adjust and overcome adversity was a defining factor in their victory. Curry’s early struggles could have derailed the team, but Hield’s sensational performance and the team’s overall resilience allowed them to weather the storm. The Warriors’ experience in high-pressure situations, combined with their strategic adjustments, ultimately proved too much for the Rockets to overcome.
As the Warriors prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Semifinals, they will look to build on their momentum from the Game 7 victory. The Timberwolves present a formidable challenge, but the Warriors’ championship pedigree and their ability to rise to the occasion make them a dangerous opponent for any team.
The semifinal series against the Timberwolves begins on Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on TNT. Basketball fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating the matchup between these two talented teams. The Warriors, with their blend of experience, talent, and resilience, will be looking to continue their playoff journey and make a deep run towards another NBA championship.
