The Golden State Warriors have once again proven their playoff pedigree, overcoming the Houston Rockets 103-89 in a decisive Game 7 to punch their ticket to the Western Conference semifinals. 

On a night when every possession mattered, it was Buddy Hield who stole the spotlight. The sharpshooting guard erupted for 33 points, tying an NBA record for most three-pointers made in a Game 7 with nine.

Hield’s hot hand was evident from the start, as he poured in 22 points in the first half and fueled a pivotal 16-2 Warriors run in the second quarter. That surge turned a tight contest into a double-digit lead, giving Golden State the breathing room they needed.

While Stephen Curry struggled to find his rhythm early, he delivered a crucial three-pointer just before halftime, helping the Warriors maintain a 12-point advantage at the break. The Rockets, led by Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün, fought valiantly to stay within striking distance, but Golden State’s defensive intensity and timely shot-making kept Houston at bay.

Curry Delivers in the Clutch

The third quarter saw Houston make a push, trimming the deficit to single digits and threatening to swing the momentum. But as he has done so many times before, Curry stepped up in the fourth.

Curry opened the final period with a personal 5-0 run, including a signature step-back three-pointer, pushing the Warriors’ lead back to 13 and quieting the Rockets’ rally. Hield added another dagger from deep, and Golden State responded with a decisive 12-0 run that stretched the margin to 20 points, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Despite the loss, the Rockets showcased their young core’s promise. Jalen Green led Houston with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Alperen Şengün contributed 21 points and 14 boards. Fred VanVleet chipped in 17 points, but Houston’s struggles from beyond the arc proved costly. The Rockets hit just 6-of-18 three-pointers as a team, while Hield alone matched that total with his record-tying performance.

Warriors’ Experience Shines Through

With the victory, the Warriors avoided squandering a 3-1 series lead and improved to 20 wins in their last 25 meetings against the Rockets. Golden State’s blend of championship experience, defensive grit, and timely shooting proved decisive in a high-pressure Game 7 environment.

Looking ahead, the Warriors will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals, with Game 1 set for May 7. As the postseason intensity ramps up, Golden State’s veteran leadership and knack for rising to the occasion could once again make them a formidable contender.

For Warriors fans, the chase for another championship banner is very much alive in the Bay Area.