Winning Game 7: Warriors move on to the next round, dominating Rockets
The Houston Rockets fought hard in the first-round series against the Golden State Warriors, but ultimately championship pedigree prevailed. Trailing 3-1, the Warriors pulled off a game-winning performance in Game 7 on the road to secure a 103-89 victory and advance to the next round.
This epic encounter saw contributions from all corners of the Warriors roster. Buddy Hield and Draymond Green shone, while Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler came up clutch in the dying moments. However, it was the Warriors' defense that stole the show and earned them the victory.
The Rockets, who scored 131 points in Game 5 and 115 in Game 6, were held in check by a stellar Warriors defense in Game 7. Houston could only manage 89 points on 40% shooting and never threatened to overturn the Golden State lead established in the second quarter.
The star of the show was none other than Hield. An impressive first half was followed by some crucial second-half buckets, resulting in a stunning 33 points and nine 3-pointers. Butler finished with 20, Green scored 16, and Curry, who struggled in the first half, bounced back to post 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Kendrick Perkins shared insights on how Curry can join the pantheon of the NBA's greatest players, while Curry made a candid confession about the Rockets after the game. Butler dropped a truth bomb about the Warriors-Rockets rivalry, and Curry earned the moniker of 'Petty King' for his post-game comportment.
The Warriors' victory was built on a collective team effort, with Green opening the game with 8 quick points and Hield connecting on six triples before the break. The second half saw Curry step up, with his brilliant off-ball work leading to several deep drives to the hoop and a game-ending step-back three-pointer that sealed the Rockets' fate.
The series result was a crushing blow for Rockets fans, who have seen their team eliminated by the Warriors five times in the last 10 years: in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2025. The Warriors have little time to revel in their success, as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves just a day later in the next round.
Especially in 2025, the Warriors displayed remarkable prowess, securing the playoffs and ultimately claiming the championship despite tough competition from the Rockets. In Game 7, pointers from Buddy Hield and Stephen Curry, sent from all corners of the court, proved crucial in their 103-89 victory. During the series, Hield's terrific performance, including 33 points and nine 3-pointers, earned him the star of the show title. As they prepare for the next round against the Minnesota Timberwolves, sentiments about the rivalry between the Warriors and Rockets continue to circulate in the sports world, with Butler's confession about it causing a stir.
