The Golden State Warriors secured their playoff future in dominant fashion on Sunday night. After dropping two straight games and facing elimination, the Warriors came back strong to take Game 7 against the Houston Rockets with a 103-89 win at the Toyota Center. The victory sealed the first-round series, allowing Golden State to move forward to the Western Conference Semifinals.
The win also continued the Warriors’ historic dominance over the Rockets in postseason games. Golden State remains unbeaten in all playoff series against Houston, now holding a 5-0 all-time record in head-to-head postseason battles.
A major contributor to this crucial victory was their off-season addition Buddy Hield. From the opening quarter, Hield’s hot shooting lit up the Rockets’ defense and changed the course of the game.
Buddy Hield’s Historic Game 7 Performance Help The Golden State Warriors Advance To Second Round
Hield delivered one of the most efficient and memorable Game 7 performances in recent NBA history. He poured in 33 points on a near-flawless shooting night, adding three rebounds and three assists. Hield shot 12-of-15 from the field and a scorching 9-of-11 from beyond the arc, without taking a single free throw.
This feat made Hield the first player in NBA history to score 30 or more points in a Game 7 without attempting a free throw. His red-hot start set the tone early. He had already scored 22 points by halftime, shooting 8-of-9 from the floor and sinking 6-of-7 threes.
CRAZY—Buddy Hield is the 1st player in NBA HISTORY to have a Game 7 with 30+ Points and ZERO free throw attempts, per @StatMamba.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 5, 2025
ELITE. 🔥 https://t.co/UqQ0wnpPDD pic.twitter.com/NqPdKqVbFg
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Stephen Curry contributed a well-rounded performance with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Jimmy Butler finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Draymond Green had one of the best games with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Despite strong individual efforts, the Houston Rockets were unable to keep pace with Golden State’s offensive surge. Amen Thompson led the team with 24 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Alperen Sengun posted a double-double of 21 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists.
Fred VanVleet added 17 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in a full 44 minutes on the court. Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green combined for just 16 points.
The Rockets got eliminated from the title race, while the Warriors will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round.
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