The Golden State Warriors secured a thrilling 103-89 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 7 of their playoff series, advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals. The game was a closely contested battle, with the Warriors’ veteran core ultimately proving too strong for the young Rockets team.
From the opening tip, the Warriors came out aggressive, with Draymond Green making a pair of threes and a layup to give Golden State an early 8-2 lead. However, the Rockets soon answered with a 15-6 run of their own, showcasing their resilience and determination. Buddy Hield, who was reinserted into the starting lineup, was instrumental in keeping the Warriors afloat. He made a corner three off a beautiful no-look pass from Stephen Curry and later knocked down a buzzer-beater from half court to put the Warriors ahead 23-19 at the end of the first quarter.
Hield continued to shine in the second quarter, scoring 22 points on 8-for-9 shooting, including 6-for-7 from three. His outside shooting allowed the Warriors to build a double-digit lead, despite Curry’s slow start. Curry finally got going in the final minute of the half, knocking down a logo three, but the Warriors still held a comfortable 51-39 lead at halftime.
The Rockets came out strong in the third quarter, with Amen Thompson leading the charge. Thompson scored 14 points in the quarter, helping Houston cut the deficit to just three points. However, the Warriors’ veterans responded, with Curry and Jimmy Butler making crucial shots to keep Golden State ahead 70-62 heading into the fourth quarter.
In the final stanza, Curry took over, scoring 14 of his 22 points. He drove past Jabari Smith Jr. for a layup, then knocked down a three after Thompson cramped up and left the game briefly. Hield added another wide-open three, and Curry followed up with a layup off a double team, putting the Warriors ahead by 12 points.
The Rockets struggled to find their rhythm in the fourth quarter, committing costly turnovers and missing open shots. Meanwhile, Curry and Hield continued to torment the Houston defense, putting the game out of reach. The Warriors’ dominant defense also played a crucial role, holding the Rockets to just 89 points and forcing several key turnovers.
Key Performances:
– Buddy Hield: Scored a game-high 33 points on 12-for-15 shooting, including 9-for-11 from three. His record-tying nine three-pointers in Game 7 were a key factor in the Warriors’ victory.
– Stephen Curry: Finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, scoring 14 of his points in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
– Amen Thompson: Led the Rockets with 24 points, but the young star’s cramp in the fourth quarter limited his effectiveness.
– Draymond Green: Contributed 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, playing a crucial role in the Warriors’ victory.
The Warriors’ win marks their fifth time eliminating the Rockets in the playoffs. Golden State will now face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Semifinals, with Game 1 set to take place in Minnesota on Tuesday.
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