The amazing performances of Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield proved once again that when you have experience and know how to handle the game during pressure moments, then winning any Game 7 is not difficult. In a crucial Western Conference elimination game against the Houston Rockets, the Golden State Warriors cruised to a 103-89 victory and booked a berth in the semifinals. The amazing performances of Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield proved once again that when you have experience and know how to handle the game during pressure moments, then winning any Game 7 is not difficult. The Warriors kept the game balanced through the first three quarters of the game, but Curry showed his true form in the fourth quarter and completely turned the game’s momentum back into his team’s court with an explosive 14-point finish.
The hero of the win was undoubtedly Buddy Hield, who scored 33 points with 9 three-pointers. His first half was so dominant that his 6 threes and 22 points helped the Warriors build a solid 12-point lead at halftime. Curry, who was just 3 points down in the first half, went in at the end and did what he is known for — finishing games. When he made his signature “night night” gesture, the entire Houston crowd knew their season was coming to an end.
The win is also special for the Warriors as they became the only seventh No. 7 seed in NBA history to reach the semifinals. This was the Rockets’ fifth chance of being eliminated in the playoffs at the hands of the Warriors, and this time too, Golden State dashed their hopes. From 2015 to 2019, the James Harden-led Houston squads have repeatedly been pained, and this time, the pain is back with the new roster.
Hield’s shooting performance was record-breaking — 9-of-11 from beyond the arc — which is an NBA record for any Game 7, while the entire Rockets team together managed just 6-of-18 three-point shots. Along with the excellent shooting, Curry also contributed 10 rebounds and 7 assists, making his all-around performance even more valuable.
For the Rockets, Amen Thompson took the lead with 24 points, but his team never controlled the tempo of the match. He won Game 5 and Game 6 and led the series till Game 7, but the Warriors got ahead of him in experience and calmness. Apart from Thompson, Fred VanVleet, who had scored a total of 55 points in the previous two games, stopped at 17 points this time. His shooting was 6-of-13, but it was not enough against a team like the Warriors. Jalen Green, who was the hero of Game 2 with 38 points, was limited to just 8 points in this match.
Alperen Sengun contributed 21 points and 14 rebounds, but his efficiency was disappointing — just 9 successful out of 23 shots. The Rockets tried a nice comeback in the third quarter where they went from a 15-point deficit to just 3-points, but the Warriors regained control and built a 70-62 lead by the end of the quarter.
There was one other noticeable absence in the game — Gary Payton II. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he was “sick as a dog” and couldn’t play because of that. Still, the Warriors showed depth and teamwork. Draymond Green also scored 16 points, and four of the team’s starters finished in double figures.
Jimmy Butler, who has been a consistent performer for the Warriors since being traded from Miami, also contributed with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. The team’s record since his arrival has improved to 28-11, which shows how much of a difference his presence has made.
Now the Warriors’ next challenge is the Timberwolves, with whom they will have a semifinal matchup on Tuesday night in Minnesota. This win not only won another playoff series, but showed that as long as a legend like Curry is alive, the Warriors can never be underestimated.
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