Warriors eliminate Rockets in decisive Game 7 showdown

In a crucial Game 7 matchup held on Sunday night, May 4, 2025, the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Houston Rockets in Houston, Texas. This game marked the end of a hard-fought first-round playoff series, with the Warriors emerging victorious with a score of 103-89. Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield were instrumental in this win, each contributing significantly to the score. Hield scored a playoff career-high of 33 points, including nine three-pointers, setting an NBA record for a Game 7 performance by surpassing previous records for three-pointers made in this critical setting. The Warriors had built a commanding lead by the halftime break and maintained control throughout the second half, thanks to Curry's late-game resurgence, scoring 14 of his total 22 points in the fourth quarter. Despite a valiant effort by the Rockets, who had played their way into a seventh game after recovering from a 3-1 deficit in the series, they ultimately fell short. Houston’s Amen Thompson led his team with 24 points, but the collective effort from the Warriors proved too strong. With this win, the Warriors not only advanced to the Western Conference semifinals but also handed the Rockets an early playoff exit for the fifth time the two teams have met in the postseason over the last decade. This playoff series reaffirms the Warriors' status as a dominant force in the West, especially considering their comeback from a loss two years prior when they only secured 22 wins overall. The Rockets, on the other hand, will need to reflect on their playoff performance and consider their roster decisions moving forward. As the Warriors gear up to face the Timberwolves in the next round, the Rockets are left to ponder their strategy. Jalen Green, a key player for Houston, had struggled throughout the series and finished with only eight points in this decisive game. Green’s performance raises questions about his future with the franchise as they seek to build a competitive team moving forward. The Rockets' coach has urged for improvement and refocusing for the future, aiming to come back stronger next season.