NBA: Hield, Curry Shine as Warriors Eliminate Rockets in Game 7 to Reach West Semis

The Golden State Warriors secured their place in the Western Conference semifinals with a commanding 103-89 Game 7 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, riding a blistering shooting display from Buddy Hield and a clutch fourth-quarter takeover by Stephen Curry.

Hield erupted for 33 points, knocking down nine three-pointers—an NBA record for a Game 7—while Curry poured in 14 of his 22 points in the final quarter to crush any hopes of a Rockets comeback. With the win, the Warriors move on to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night in Minnesota.

The Warriors seized control early, thanks largely to Hield’s red-hot shooting. The sharpshooter made six triples and scored 22 points before halftime, helping Golden State build a 12-point cushion. Curry, uncharacteristically quiet in the first half with just three points, waited until the fourth to make his mark. 

His late-game heroics, including a contested 3-pointer and a flashy rebound-to-assist play to Hield in the corner, iced the game and sent Rockets fans filing out of the Toyota Center.

Curry’s full line of 22 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists showcased his all-around influence. After drilling one of his signature deep shots, he capped the moment with his trademark “night night” gesture, putting the final stamp on Houston’s season.

“This was about toughness and experience,” said coach Steve Kerr. “Steph took over when we needed him most, and Buddy’s first half gave us that edge.”

Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 24 points, while Alperen Sengun added 21 points and 14 rebounds. But the team struggled offensively—Jalen Green was limited to just eight points and Fred VanVleet, who had scored 55 points across Games 5 and 6, managed only 17 on Sunday.

Golden State’s Jimmy Butler contributed another all-around effort with 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Since his arrival via trade in February, the Warriors are now 28-11. Draymond Green also chipped in with 16 points, helping Golden State outlast a younger Rockets team that had forced the decisive game with two straight wins.

Despite missing reserve Gary Payton II due to illness, the Warriors’ veteran core proved too resilient and too experienced for a Houston squad making its first playoff appearance since 2020. Now, with momentum and firepower, Golden State heads into Minnesota with eyes firmly set on another deep postseason run.