🔥 Game 7 Drama: Warriors Triumph in Houston

In a high-stakes showdown that lived up to every ounce of its billing, the Golden State Warriors surged past the Houston Rockets with a clinical 103-89 victory, sealing the series 4-3 and punching their ticket to the Western Conference semifinals.

It was a game that started with intensity and ended with legacy. Buddy Hield turned into a Game 7 legend, nailing 9 three-pointers and finishing with 33 points — a new NBA Game 7 record. And when it mattered most, Stephen Curry took the reins in the fourth quarter, dropping 14 of his 22 points in clutch fashion.

“Just trying to be myself,” Hield said postgame. “But tonight was fun.” Fun might be an understatement — the Warriors were simply unstoppable when it counted.

📊 Final Score Breakdown

🏀 Player of the Game: Buddy Hield

After going scoreless in Game 6, Buddy Hield delivered a performance for the ages. His 9-of-11 shooting from deep not only carried Golden State early but demoralised a Rockets team that simply couldn’t keep up. Hield’s range, confidence, and composure under pressure were nothing short of elite.

Stephen Curry wasn’t far behind, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, including a dagger three-pointer and a crowd-silencing “night night” celebration.

💥 Key Stats & Performances

• Buddy Hield: 33 pts | 9/11 3PT
• Stephen Curry: 22 pts | 10 reb | 7 ast
• Jimmy Butler: 20 pts | 8 reb | 7 ast
• Draymond Green: 16 pts | 2 3PT
• Amen Thompson (HOU): 24 pts | 6 ast
• Fred VanVleet (HOU): 17 pts | 6/13 FG
• Alperen Sengun (HOU): 21 pts | 14 reb | 9/23 FG

🧠 Tactical Breakdown

The Warriors came out with a clear plan: space the floor, push the tempo, and exploit mismatches. Hield’s hot hand in the first half forced Houston to stretch their defence — opening up the lane for Curry and Butler in the second half. Defensively, Golden State switched aggressively, with Draymond Green anchoring the backline and neutralising pick-and-roll threats.

Houston, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm. Despite a valiant effort from Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, the Rockets looked rattled by the moment. Their 6-of-18 shooting from three-point range paled in comparison to Hield’s individual total.

📉 What Went Wrong for Houston?

The Rockets’ offence never found consistent footing. Jalen Green, who had exploded earlier in the series, was held to just 8 points. Fred VanVleet put up respectable numbers but lacked efficiency late. And while Sengun posted a double-double, his 9-of-23 shooting included several missed opportunities in the paint.

“It’s going to sting,” admitted coach Ime Udoka. “We had our chances.” The Rockets now head into the offseason with motivation but plenty of questions.

🚀 Warriors Make History

With this win, the Warriors became only the 7th No. 7 seed in NBA history to reach the Conference Semis. It’s also the fifth time they’ve eliminated Houston from the playoffs — a rivalry that continues to deliver drama.

Their reward? A date with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

🔮 What’s Next?

Golden State now faces a new challenge against the No. 3 seeded Timberwolves in the Western Semifinals. If Buddy Hield continues his shooting brilliance and Curry stays healthy, the Warriors could be a serious dark horse once again.

For Houston, the future is bright, but this series exposed the gaps that still need patching. Experience, composure, and defensive versatility will be key focal points moving forward.