Warriors Defy Odds in Game 7 Thriller Against Rockets
It's rare to see a Warriors team labeled as an underdog, but that's exactly what happened in this first-round showdown. Heading into Game 7 against the Rockets on May 4, 2025, Golden State had momentum working against them. After racing out to a 3-1 series lead, the script got flipped—Houston won two in a row and suddenly the favorite felt vulnerable. But when everything was on the line, Golden State delivered, notching a convincing 103-89 win that left Rockets fans quiet and Warriors fans breathing again.
Let’s talk about Buddy Hield. Not the player most people expected to steal the spotlight, right? He exploded for 33 points, torching the Rockets with long-range shots and smart decisions. Every time Houston made a push, Hield answered—sometimes with a three-pointer, other times with a strong finish inside. It threw the Rockets’ defense out of rhythm and set the tone for the rest of the night.
Stephen Curry didn’t come out firing. His first quarter was forgettable, but it just wouldn’t be a Warriors playoff game without a Curry rally. He finished with 22 points, using his usual bag of tricks to keep the defense guessing. Jimmy Butler found his groove too, adding 20 points, including several key buckets that stalled Houston’s comeback attempts. Butler’s calm during tense late-game possessions made a huge difference as the game started slipping from Houston’s hands.
Balanced Attack and Experience Prove Too Much for Houston
Every playoff team craves balance, and that’s what Golden State showed in this clincher. Draymond Green stepped up with 16 points—not huge on paper, but every bucket seemed to come at just the right time. It was his defense, communication, and willingness to do the dirty work that glued things together for Golden State, especially when the game tightened late in the third quarter. The NBA playoffs never fail to reveal who’s ready for the moment, and Green looked right at home in the chaos.
Houston’s roster was a mix of youth and savvy vets. Players like Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams brought playoff experience, while the young guns tried hard to match Golden State’s poise. But when crunch time came, the Rockets just couldn't control the pace. Hield kept finding just enough space, Butler attacked isolated defenders, and Curry’s off-ball movement wore out Houston’s perimeter players.
- Hield’s shooting: 33 points, including six three-pointers
- Butler’s scoring: 20 points, many in clutch situations
- Curry’s consistency: 22 points despite a slow start
- Green’s leadership: 16 points with swarming defense
This win means the Warriors, as the No. 7 seed, keep their unexpected playoff run alive. Next, they’ll face the Game 7-tested No. 6-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Semifinals. Game 1 is set for May 7 at the Target Center.
NBA fans looking to watch the upcoming series can usually find games on ESPN, TNT, ABC, or through NBA League Pass. While the Game 7 broadcast details weren’t released, those are the go-to options every spring.
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