The Golden State Warriors booked their spot in the second round of the NBA playoffs with a gritty 103-89 Game 7 victory over the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Sunday night. After letting a 3-1 series lead slip away, Golden State responded in championship fashion, led by a red-hot Buddy Hield and a vintage fourth-quarter display from Stephen Curry.
Warriors Avoid Collapse, Rise to the Moment
All eyes were on the Warriors heading into Game 7. After blowing two straight chances to close the series, pressure was mounting. But under the bright lights and with their backs against the wall, Golden State showed why they’re one of the league’s most battle-tested teams.
Buddy Hield, often playing second fiddle in a star-studded lineup, stole the show early. The sharp-shooting guard erupted for a playoff career-high 33 points, knocking down 9 of 11 three-pointers. His offensive explosion gave the Warriors early breathing room and electrified the bench.
At halftime, Golden State led 51-39. Hield had 22 points at the break, while Draymond Green chipped in with 10 points and solid defensive play. Curry, meanwhile, was relatively quiet—until it mattered most.
STEPH, DRAYMOND, & JIMMY ESSENTIAL IN GAME 7
Steph: 22 PTS (14 in 4Q) | 10 REB | 7 AST | 2 STL | 2 BLK | 4 3PM
Jimmy: 20 PTS | 8 REB | 7 AST
Draymond: 16 PTS | 6 REB | 5 AST | 2 BLKThe @warriors advance to the West Semis! pic.twitter.com/jIM6gP3LqP
— NBA (@NBA) May 5, 2025
Curry Comes Alive in the Fourth
Stephen Curry’s playoff resume is loaded with clutch performances, and Sunday night was no different. After scoring just eight points through the first three quarters, the two-time MVP exploded for 14 in the final frame. He opened the fourth with a deep three, added a tough layup, and nailed free throws to extend Golden State’s lead.
Curry finished with 22 points, five assists, and a message for critics. “Everyone was doubting our energy, our chemistry… we heard it all,” he said post-game. “But we stayed together. Buddy was unbelievable, and everyone played their part.”
Houston Fight Back Falls Short
The Rockets, who had stormed back into the series with two convincing wins in Games 5 and 6, looked rattled early but refused to go down quietly. Amen Thompson led the charge with 24 points and 9 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun added 21 points and 14 boards.
Houston trimmed the 15-point deficit to just three midway through the third quarter, igniting the home crowd. But with the game hanging in the balance, their three-point shooting went cold. The Rockets hit only six triples all night compared to Golden State’s 14 — a stark contrast that defined the outcome.
The @warriors advance to the West Semis after a TOUGH 7-game battle ⚔️
The best from Golden State’s First Round as they continue their journey vs. #6 MIN on Tuesday at 9:30pm/et on TNT ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/xminUOqlcG
— NBA (@NBA) May 5, 2025
Jimmy Butler Delivers Key Plays
Acquired in a mid-season deal with the Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler has quickly cemented his role in the Warriors’ rotation. The veteran guard scored 20 points in Game 7, including six during a decisive 12-0 run late in the fourth that turned a tight contest into a comfortable lead.
“Jimmy’s leadership and intensity have been huge,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “He brought a fire that lifted our group when we needed it most.”
Warriors Headed to Face Timberwolves
With the win, Golden State moves on to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Timberwolves, fresh off their elimination of LeBron James and the Lakers in five games, promise to be a tough opponent.
But after surviving a grueling seven-game series, the Warriors have their swagger back. The mix of seasoned playoff warriors in Curry, Green, and Thompson, alongside fresh sparkplugs like Hield and Butler, could make them dangerous again in the West.
Golden State will also take confidence from how they handled adversity. From blowing a 3-1 lead to rallying in Game 7, the team’s mental toughness was tested — and they passed with flying colors.
Box Score Highlights:
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Buddy Hield: 33 points, 9-of-11 3PT
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Stephen Curry: 22 points (14 in 4th quarter), 5 assists
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Jimmy Butler: 20 points, 6 rebounds
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Amen Thompson (Rockets): 24 points, 9 rebounds
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Alperen Sengun (Rockets): 21 points, 14 rebounds
The Warriors may not have the same aura of invincibility they once held, but Sunday’s performance proved one thing — when it counts, they still know how to win.
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