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The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets 103 to89 in game seven of their first round playoff series on May 5th, 2025, advancing to the Western Conference semi-finals to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Warriors, the number seven seed, took a 3 to1 lead in the series, but the number two seed Rockets fought back, winning games five and six to force a decisive game seven in Houston at the Toyota Center. The winner would advance to face the Timberwolves, while the loser season would end. The Warriors had a strong game seven history, 42 since 2014, and Stephen Curry averaged 32.6 six points in such games, one of the highest in NBA history. The Warriors were without Gary Payton too, illness, while the Rockets missed Jon Tate, ankle, and had Cam Whitmore questionable knee. The Warriors came out firing with Draymond Green asserting dominance. Green scored eight points in the first 5 minutes, 3 to 4 FG, including a mid-range jumper and a layup, setting a physical tone. By 8:54 p.m. Central time, Golden State led 16 to13 at the first media timeout. Houston relied on Fred Van Vleet, who hit a 27T three-pointer to keep the game close. Amen. Thompson added a dunk off a fast break, showcasing his athleticism. However, the Rockets offense was disjointed with Jaylen Green struggling against Golden State’s early defensive pressure. A Jonathan Kaminga putback dunk off a Curry miss gave the Warriors a 22 to8 lead, energizing the bench. The quarter ended with Golden State up 28 to 24 thanks to their 50% shooting and six points in the paint. The Warriors used a two to three zone defense sporadically to disrupt Houston’s pick and roll game, forcing Sen to pass out of double teams. This set the stage for their defensive strategy. Buddy Heel coming off the bench turned the game into a personal showcase. He hit six three-pointers in the first half, including four in the second quarter alone. His pull-up threes and catch and shoot looks from Curry and Butler passes pushed the Warriors lead to 48 to 36 by halftime. He yields 22 first half points, 8 to 10 FG 6 to73P. Tied a Warriors playoff record for threes and a half, joining Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green since 1997 to 98. Houston’s offense bogged down, shooting 38% from the field and making just three of 11 three-pointers. Alper and Sen scored eight points, but was frustrated by Draymond Green’s physical defense. Jaylen Green’s 1 to5 shooting reflected Houston’s inability to match Golden State’s firepower. A 10 to2 Warriors run, capped by Heield’s fifth three-pointer, forced a Rockets timeout with 432 left in quarter. The crowd grew quiet as Golden State’s lead balloon to 15. The Warriors exploited Houston’s overhelping defense with Curry and Butler drawing attention to create open looks for Heel. Houston’s zone defense, effective in games five and six, was shredded by Golden State’s quick ball movement. The Rockets wore back with a 21-12 run, cutting the Warriors lead to 60 to 57. Tari E’s block on a Kaminga drive and Jabari Smith Jr.’s 28t three-pointer ignited the Toyota center. Amen Thompson was electric, scoring 10 points in the quarter, four to 5 FG, including a putback dunk that made it a three-point game. Stephen Curry, scoreless for nearly 21 minutes, finally hit a mid-range jumper to stop the bleeding. Jimmy Butler added a corner three and Brandon Podski’s transition slam set up by Curry Steel, pushed the lead back to 68 to 60. Draymond Green’s defensive stops, including two blocks on Singan, kept Houston at bay with a score at 65 to62. Butler’s and one layup through contact, restored a six-point lead, quieting the crowd. The Warriors closed the quarter up 78 to 68 with Heielded hitting his seventh three-pointer. Houston adjusted to a smaller lineup with Een at the four to match Golden State’s pace. However, the Warriors zone defense continued to limit Houston’s three-point attempts 5 to 16 by quarter’s end, forcing inefficient mid-range shots. Stephen Curry took over, scoring 13 of his 22 points in the fourth. His step back three-pointer at the 845 mark, 94 to76, sparked a 12 to0 Warriors run, effectively ending Houston’s hopes. Curry’s nightight gesture after the shot became a viral moment on X. Houston’s offense crumbled, shooting 3 to2 in the quarter and committing four turnovers. Fred Vanble’s challenge of an out-of- bounds call ruled incorrect, cost Houston their final review, deflating their momentum. Alpron Singan’s foul on Curry with 210 left led to two free throws, icing the game at 101 to86. He’s eighth three-pointer during the 12 to0 run, his 33rd point, prompted an exodus of Houston fans. The Warriors bench, led by Podiumsky and Dennis Schroeder, maintained intensity to close out the 103 to89 victory. Golden State leaned on their championship experience, slowing the pace and milking the clock while Houston pressed frantically. The Warriors 14 to4 advantage in fast break points in the fourth exposed the Rockets defensive lapses. In-epth player performances. Golden State Warriors. Buddy Heel Heield’s career best playoff performance was the story of the game. His ability to exploit Houston’s sagging defense and hit contested threes overwhelmed the Rockets. His eight-pointers were the most in a game seven since Damen Lillard’s nine in 2019. Stephen Curry Curry’s quiet first half, three points, gave way to a dominant second half. His two-way impact, rebounding, playmaking, and clutch shooting underscored his game seven pedigree. Jimmy Butler Butler’s all-around brilliance stabilized the Warriors. His ability to attack the rim, draw fouls six to seven feet, and guard multiple positions was critical. Posts on X dubbed him playoff Jimmy for his seamless fit with Golden State stars. Draymond Green’s early scoring and defensive tenacity set the tone. His blocks on Singen and switches onto Van Vleet disrupted Houston’s rhythm. His leadership was evident in the huddle during Houston’s third quarter run. Brandon Podsky stepping up in Gary Pton’s absence. Podiumski’s hustle plays including the transition dump and defensive energy were vital off the bench. Jonathan Kaminga and Dennis Schroeder provided depth with Kaminga’s athleticism and Schroeder’s ball handling easing pressure on curve. Houston Rockets. Amen. Thompson Thompson was Houston’s brightest spot using his 6’7 in frame to attack the rim and finished through contact. His third quarter outburst nearly swung the game but he lacked support. Alpurn singing battled Green and Kevin Looney but shot 8 to 19 frustrated by double teams and Golden State’s paint protection. His 14 rebounds kept Houston in the game early. Fred vanet after torching the Warriors in games four to six. Van Bleet was neutralized by Golden State zone and Butler’s on ball defense. His missed shots and turnovers three hurt Houston’s comeback. Jabari Smith Junior Smith’s third quarter three was a highlight, but his inconsistency reflected Houston’s broader offensive issues. Jaylen Green, a key scorer all series, was stifled by Kaminga and Green’s defense, failing to find a rhythm. Tar Een Een’s energy off the bench sparked the third quarter rally, but his impact waned in the fourth. Tactical analysis. Warriors game plan. Zone defense mastery. Golden State’s 2 to3 zone adjusted after struggling against Houston zone in games 5 and six was a gamecher. It limited Houston to 6 to 24 three-point shooting 25% and forced 11 turnovers disrupting their pick and roll heavy offense. Exploiting mismatches, Curry and Butler drew double teams, creating open threes for Heield and Kamingo. The Warriors 14 to 24 three-point shooting 58.3% was their best of the series. Pace control. After a fast-paced first half, the Warriors slowed the tempo in the fourth using clock killing possessions to blunt Houston’s momentum. Defensive adjustments. Green’s versatility allowed switches onto Vanble Vleet and Singan while Looney and Jackson Davis clogged the paint limiting Houston to 38 points inside. Rockets game plan. Small ball push Houston went small in the third with E and Smith at the four and five to match Golden State speed. This sparked their 21 to12 run but left them vulnerable to Butler’s drives. Singentric offense. The Rockets funneled plays through Singen early, but Golden State’s double teams forced kickouts to shooters who missed. Pressing defense, Houston’s fullcourt press in the third caused three Warriors turnovers, but they couldn’t sustain it as fatigue set in. missed opportunities. Houston’s 11 turnovers and 40.5% field goal shooting reflected their youth and inexperience in high pressure moments. Broader context and significance. Warriors perspective championship pedigree. The Warriors core leaned on their game seven experience. Their 4 to2 record in game seven since 2014, including this win, reaffirmed their clutch ability. He’s emerg 33-point outburst validated his acquisition as a Klay Thompson replacement. His shooting stretched defenses complimenting Curry’s gravity. Semi-finals matchup. Advancing to face the Timberwolves set up a rare six versus seven seed series. The Warriors experience would be tested against Minnesota’s size. Historical note, this was the Warriors first game, seven win on the road since 2018 against Houston, exercising memories of their 2016 3 to1 collapse. Rockets perspective, youthful promise, Houston’s core showed growth, pushing a championship caliber team to seven games. Thompson’s 24 points and Singan’s double double highlighted their potential. Offseason outlook with draft picks and cap space, the Rockets are poised to chase a star to complement their youth. This loss, while painful, was a learning experience. Curry’s nemesis. This mark Houston’s fifth playoff series loss to Curry since 2015, including three game sevens. The Warriors remain a mental and tactical hurdle. Final thoughts. This game seven was a masterclass in playoff basketball, blending the Warriors veteran savvy with Heel’s unexpected heroics to overcome a spirited Rockets comeback. Curry’s fourth quarter brilliance. He’s record tying shooting and Green’s defensive anchor role showcased Golden State’s depth and resilience. For Houston, Thompson and Sen’s performances offered hope, but their youth was exposed in crunch time. The game’s legacy lies in its high stakes, historic performances, and its role as a stepping stone for both teams. Golden State.
