In an exhilarating Game 7 showdown, Buddy Hield emerged as an unexpected hero for the Golden State Warriors, leading the team to a decisive 103-89 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. Hield's remarkable performance included nine 3-pointers and a total of 33 points, paving the way for the Warriors to secure their spot in the Western Conference semifinals.
While Hield set the pace early in the game, it was Stephen Curry who dominated in the crucial moments, scoring 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter. His late-game contributions included a signature “night night” gesture that celebrated the Warriors’ victory. “We were lucky to get out of this series,” remarked Warriors coach Steve Kerr, praising his team's resilience throughout the match.
After a scoreless performance in Game 6, Hield came out blazing in the first half, netting six 3-pointers and accumulating 22 points. This impressive display helped the Warriors establish a comfortable 12-point lead by halftime, even with Curry contributing only three points before the break. Hield's offensive prowess was complemented by solid defensive efforts, which Kerr highlighted, stating, “This was not just a lights-out shooting performance for Buddy. It was a two-way performance.”
The Warriors' victory marks them as the seventh No. 7 seed in NBA history to reach the semifinals, and it also signifies the fifth time they have eliminated the Rockets from the playoffs. This streak includes four previous victories against teams led by James Harden from 2015 to 2019, though none of those players remain with the Rockets today. Fred VanVleet, a current member of the Rockets, acknowledged the change, saying, “This ain’t that team.”
Draymond Green, who played a pivotal role in prior playoff victories against the Rockets, remarked on the team’s history with the franchise, saying, “It’s that organization though. We like coming to the city playing in these situations. It’s been good to us.” In addition to Hield and Curry, Jimmy Butler contributed significantly with 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while the Warriors improved to 28-11 since Butler's trade from Miami.
Despite forcing a Game 7 after two consecutive wins, the Rockets struggled to maintain their momentum. Amen Thompson led Houston with 24 points, but the team ultimately fell short against the experienced Warriors. Coach Ime Udoka expressed disappointment but emphasized the need for growth, stating, “We had our chances in this series... It’s going to sting now, but use it as motivation.”
As the game progressed, Golden State maintained control, leading by eight points entering the fourth quarter. They quickly extended their lead with a 5-0 run, including a crucial three-pointer from Curry. With just over two minutes remaining, Curry assisted Hield for another three, effectively sealing the game and sending many Rockets fans towards the exits.
Looking ahead, the Warriors will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, ready to continue their playoff journey. The Rockets, on the other hand, will regroup following their early exit from the playoffs, hoping to return stronger in the next season.
