Islamabad, May 5, 2025: Buddy Hield delivered a surprise masterclass in Game 7 to help the Golden State Warriors knock out the Houston Rockets and book their place in the Western Conference semifinals.
The Warriors secured a 103-89 victory on Sunday night, with Hield’s explosive start and Stephen Curry’s composed finish guiding them through.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the challenge of the series, calling it “an incredibly impressive display of resolve,” and admitted they were fortunate to advance.
Hield, who had gone scoreless in Game 6, erupted with six first-half three-pointers and 22 points to hand the Warriors a solid 12-point halftime lead.
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Curry had managed just three points by the break but came alive in the final quarter, scoring 14 of his 22 points and pulling off his signature “night night” celebration as the game slipped from Houston’s grasp.
Kerr praised Hield not just for his shooting but for a well-rounded effort, particularly on defense.
The guard hit nine of his 11 three-point attempts, setting a new NBA record for most threes in a Game 7, and finished with 33 points — more than the entire Rockets team managed from beyond the arc.
The Warriors, seeded seventh, became just the seventh team in NBA history at that position to reach the conference semifinals. They will now face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.
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The Rockets had fought back from a 3-1 series deficit to force Game 7, but struggled on Sunday. Fred VanVleet, who had carried Houston in the previous two games, was held to 17 points.
Jalen Green, who had a standout performance earlier in the series, ended with just eight.
Draymond Green, recalling Houston’s past playoff exits to the Warriors, referenced VanVleet’s earlier remark that “this ain’t that team,” saying the franchise’s identity still felt familiar to them.
Curry contributed 10 rebounds and seven assists, while Jimmy Butler added 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Draymond chipped in with 16 points.
Houston’s Amen Thompson led his side with 24 points, but it wasn’t enough to stop a veteran Warriors team from moving on.
