Warriors Edge Rockets in Game 7 Thriller, Advance to Face Timberwolves
The Golden State Warriors, fueled by championship pedigree and a scorching performance from an unexpected source, extinguished the Houston Rockets’ playoff hopes with a 103-89 victory in Game 7 of their first-round Western Conference series. The Warriors, entering the playoffs as a seventh seed, proved that experience and resilience are invaluable assets, overcoming a determined Rockets squad and a hostile home crowd to secure their spot in the conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This victory marked the ninth time in the past five playoff seasons that a team has won a Game 7 on the road, a testament to the Warriors’ mental fortitude and ability to perform under pressure. More importantly, it prevented them from becoming the 14th team in NBA history to squander a 3-1 series lead, a fate they desperately sought to avoid.
The Rockets, a young and talented team that surged to the second seed in the West after a stellar regular season, put up a valiant fight, forcing a Game 7 after trailing 3-1. However, the Warriors’ championship mettle proved too much to overcome, even on Houston’s home court. The defeat serves as a valuable learning experience for the Rockets, who are poised to become a force in the Western Conference for years to come.
The hero of the hour for the Warriors was undoubtedly Buddy Hield. While Steph Curry, the team’s perennial superstar, endured a slow start, Hield exploded for a playoff career-high 33 points, carrying the offensive load in the first half and providing crucial scoring bursts down the stretch. Hield’s performance was a revelation, highlighting the depth and versatility of the Warriors’ roster.
Hield’s scoring barrage, particularly his sharpshooting from beyond the arc, was instrumental in keeping the Warriors ahead. He connected on 12-of-15 shots from the field, including a remarkable 9-of-11 from three-point range, tying a Game 7 record for made three-pointers. His offensive output was complemented by three rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal, showcasing his all-around impact on the game.
"That was really incredible watching him light it up in the first half and down the stretch as well," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, acknowledging Hield’s pivotal role in the victory.
Curry, after a quiet first half in which he managed only three points, found his rhythm in the second half, scoring 19 points and showcasing his signature blend of long-range shooting and driving layups. Draymond Green, the Warriors’ emotional leader and defensive anchor, contributed 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, providing his usual blend of energy and playmaking.
The addition of Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline has proven to be a significant boost for the Warriors. While Butler doesn’t possess a championship ring, his competitive spirit and playoff experience are undeniable. He finished Game 7 with 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, further solidifying his importance to the team. Since acquiring Butler, the Warriors are now an impressive 27-10, playoffs included.
Coach Kerr’s decision to utilize his bench early in the game also proved to be a key factor. While the Warriors’ reserves only contributed three points, Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Moses Moody provided valuable minutes, allowing the starters to rest and maintain their energy levels. Furthermore, the Warriors displayed exceptional ball security, committing only seven turnovers, a testament to their focus and discipline.
For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun led the way with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Amen Thompson added 24 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. These young players showcased their immense potential, providing a glimpse into the Rockets’ bright future. However, the team’s overall inexperience and struggles in crucial moments ultimately proved to be their undoing.
Jalen Green, who enjoyed a breakout regular season, struggled to replicate his performance in the playoffs. While he had a 38-point outburst in Game 2, he averaged just 13.3 points per game during the series, shooting poorly from the field and from three-point range. In Games 1, 3, 4, and 7, he scored seven, nine, eight, and eight points, respectively, highlighting his inconsistency.
Despite Green’s struggles, the Rockets remain optimistic about his future. At just 23 years old, he has plenty of room to grow and develop into a more consistent and reliable performer. The Rockets’ coaching staff will undoubtedly work with him in the offseason to address his weaknesses and prepare him for future playoff challenges.
Looking ahead, the Warriors face a challenging conference semifinals matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite their lower seeds, both teams possess the talent and experience to contend for a championship. The Warriors won the season series against the Timberwolves 3-1, but all four games were played before the Warriors acquired Butler, making this series a potentially different dynamic.
The series is expected to be highly competitive and entertaining, featuring a wealth of star power and coaching acumen. While Kerr is a well-known and accomplished coach, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch is also highly regarded for his strategic abilities, particularly in a seven-game series.
The Warriors’ victory over the Rockets was a testament to their championship pedigree and their ability to overcome adversity. They now face another formidable opponent in the Timberwolves, but with their experience, talent, and newfound depth, they are confident in their ability to make a deep run in the playoffs.
For the Rockets, the loss serves as a valuable learning experience. They have a bright future ahead, led by their young core of Sengun, Thompson, and Green. With some adjustments and improvements in the offseason, they will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference next season. The decision regarding Fred VanVleet’s team option for the 2025-26 season at $44.8 million will also be a key factor in their offseason plans.
