Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield Shine as Warriors Dominate Rockets 103-89 in Thrilling Game 7 Showdown

HOUSTON (AP) — Buddy Hield emerged as a surprising playoff star for the Golden State Warriors, setting the tone early in Game 7 against the Houston Rockets. Hield scored 33 points, including nine 3-pointers, while Stephen Curry added 22 points, 14 of which came in the fourth quarter. With their 103-89 victory, the Warriors moved on to the Western Conference semifinals.

“We were fortunate to win this series,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “The team showed incredible resilience.” The Warriors will next face the Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

Hield lit up the first half with six 3-pointers, giving the Warriors a 12-point lead. Curry, quiet until then, ignited in the final moments, showcasing his signature “night night” celebration as the Warriors secured their win.

“Buddy’s performance went beyond shooting,” Kerr noted. “His defense was exceptional.” The Warriors became the seventh No. 7 seed in NBA history to reach the semifinals, eliminating the Rockets for the fifth time in playoffs history. Notably, they defeated the James Harden-led Rockets repeatedly from 2015 to 2019, a historical trend echoed by current players.

Draymond Green, who was pivotal in past matchups, emphasized the significance of the organization, saying, “We love playing here; it’s always gone well for us.”

Hield set an NBA Game 7 record with those nine 3-pointers, outshooting the Rockets, who managed only six. “I just wanted to embrace the moment and be myself,” Hield remarked. “Tonight was fun.”

Curry also contributed with 10 rebounds and seven assists. Houston’s Amen Thompson led his team with 24 points, while Coach Ime Udoka expressed disappointment over the series outcome, recognizing their missed opportunities.

Golden State began the fourth quarter with a strong push, capped by a Curry 3-pointer that extended their lead to 75-62. The Rockets closed in briefly but couldn’t overcome the experience and strategy of the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler supported the team with 20 points, continuing to show his impact since joining via trade in February. Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet, who had shined in previous games with 55 points over two outings, was limited to 17 points in this decisive game.

Rookie Jalen Green, previously a standout, struggled with only eight points. “It’s my first playoffs, but that’s no excuse,” he admitted. The Warriors played without key reserve Gary Payton II, who was sidelined due to illness.

Historical patterns reveal that playoff performance can be a predictor of a team’s future. As we look forward, the Warriors maintain strong momentum; the blend of experienced players like Curry and Green with rising stars like Hield may propel them further in these playoffs.

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