Buddy Hield Ignites Warriors in Game 7 Triumph Over Rockets
Golden State Advances After Dominant Defensive Display and Clutch Shooting
Houston, TX – On a night filled with pressure, nerves, and high stakes, the Golden State Warriors delivered a composed and commanding performance, defeating the Houston Rockets 103-89 in Game 7 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series. The victory, fueled by a breakout performance from Buddy Hield and a second-half surge by Stephen Curry, propels the Warriors into the conference semifinals, where they’ll face the Minnesota Timberwolves starting Tuesday in Minneapolis.
Buddy Hield’s Big Night: “Being in the Zone Is Spiritual”
If there were any doubts about why the Warriors acquired Buddy Hield, Sunday night erased them.
The sharpshooting guard erupted for 33 points, shooting an eye-popping 12-of-15 from the field and a blistering 9-of-11 from three-point range. Hield lit up the first half with 22 points, capping it off with a jaw-dropping 42-foot buzzer-beater that gave Golden State a 23–19 lead after the first quarter and set the tone for the rest of the night.
“Being in the zone is very spiritual,” Hield said postgame. “It’s just you and that rim and the net and the ball. You just figure it out. Sometimes you put anything up, and it goes in. Just being at peace with your game.”
Even when his scoring cooled in the second half, Hield’s early firepower gave the Warriors the cushion they needed.
Stephen Curry Takes Over Late
While Curry started slowly, he delivered when it mattered most—scoring 19 of his 22 points in the second half, including several critical buckets in the fourth quarter. His layup and deep three to open the final period extended Golden State’s lead to 75–62, providing momentum they never relinquished.
Curry also contributed 10 rebounds and 7 assists, managing the tempo with poise and composure. Head coach Steve Kerr praised his leadership:
“I thought Steph was brilliant tonight,” Kerr said. “He got us organized, took care of the ball, and settled the game down. And you know it’s just a matter of time before his shot goes in.”
All-Around Team Effort Seals the Series
While Hield and Curry led the scoring, the Warriors saw crucial contributions across the board. Draymond Green delivered a vintage performance, posting 16 points, six rebounds, five assists, and a pair of blocked shots. Jimmy Butler III added 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, continuing his consistent impact throughout the series.
The Warriors’ defense was relentless. They closed driving lanes, challenged every shot at the rim, and frustrated the Rockets into tough looks. Houston shot just 40.5% from the field and a poor 6-of-18 from deep, with much of their success coming from young standout Amen Thompson, who finished with 24 points and 9 rebounds.
Rockets Struggled to Convert Opportunities
Despite Alperen Sengun’s 21 points and 14 rebounds, Houston couldn’t capitalize on second-chance opportunities or close-range attempts. The team converted only 7-of-14 offensive rebound chances, and head coach Ime Udoka lamented their inefficiency:
“It felt like we missed a lot of point-blank shots,” Udoka said. “We had our chances but just didn’t execute.”
Warriors Avoid Collapse, Look Ahead to Timberwolves
The win not only sends Golden State into the next round but also prevents a near-collapse, as the team had previously held a 3–1 series lead before Houston pushed it to a decisive seventh game. With the victory, the Warriors notch their fifth playoff series win over the Rockets since 2015, further asserting their dominance in this postseason rivalry.
Now, they turn their attention to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who await in the second round. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday in Minneapolis—a quick turnaround, but one Golden State will embrace with momentum and confidence.
This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The Warriors, powered by experience, sharp shooting, and steely resolve, showed the league they’re not ready to bow out just yet.
