In a thrilling finale to game seven, Stephen Curry took control in the closing moments, netting 14 points during the final quarter to propel the Golden State Warriors to a 103-89 triumph over the Houston Rockets in the playoffs.
Having struggled to secure more than three points for a significant portion of the match, Curry turned the tide in the fourth quarter, contributing 14 out of the Warriors’ total of 33 points in this crucial elimination showdown.
With this performance, he joins LeBron James as one of only two players since the 1997-98 season to score over 10 points in the fourth quarter of four different game sevens in NBA history.
Curry finished with 22 points, while Buddy Hield dazzled with nine three-pointers and added 33 points. This victory saw the Warriors move on to the Western Conference semi-finals following their win against the Rockets on Monday (AEST).
“We were fortunate to come through this series,” commented Golden State coach Steve Kerr.
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the decisive moments in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs. Getty
“That was a remarkable exhibition of determination,” Kerr stated.
The Warriors are set to clash with the Timberwolves on Wednesday (AEST) in Minnesota.
Hield, who hadn’t scored in game six, exploded in the first half with six three-pointers and 22 points, helping the Warriors establish a 12-point lead, while Curry managed only three points before halftime.
He stepped up in the dying moments, showcasing his signature “night night” gesture as the Warriors sealed the win against the Rockets.
“It wasn’t merely a stellar shooting night for Buddy,” Kerr commented. “His defensive effort was outstanding too.”
Golden State began the fourth quarter with an eight-point cushion and quickly extended it with a 5-0 run, capped by a Curry three-pointer that pushed the score to 75-62.
Despite Houston scoring the next six points, the Warriors responded with a late-game surge led by Curry, bringing the score to 82-70 with seven minutes remaining.
Curry hit a contested three, grabbed a rebound from Thompson’s missed jumper, and assisted Hield for an open three in the corner, increasing the lead to 94-74 with just over two minutes left.
This effectively sent a wave of Rockets fans toward the exits.
Golden State became the seventh seventh-seed in NBA history to progress to the semi-finals, having eliminated Houston for the fifth time in playoff history.
They previously sent the James Harden-led Rockets home four times between 2015 and 2019.
With none of the players from those squads remaining in Houston, Fred VanVleet noted before the series that “this ain’t that team.”
Draymond Green, who played a key role in defeating the Rockets in 2018’s game seven to reach the NBA Finals, remarked on VanVleet’s quote, saying, “It’s that organisation though. We enjoy coming to this city in these situations. It has served us well.”
Hield’s nine of 11 from beyond the arc set an NBA record for three-pointers in a game seven and surpassed the Rockets, who were six of 18 from long distance.
“I just wanted to embrace the moment and be present at the same time,” Hield shared. “I just aimed to be myself. Tonight was enjoyable.”
Curry also contributed 10 rebounds and seven assists to the win.
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter of Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs. Getty
Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 24 points, but despite forcing a game seven with consecutive wins, they were unable to overcome the veteran Warriors.
“We had plenty of opportunities in this series,” remarked Rockets coach Ime Udoka.
“We all anticipated progressing, so this is disappointing. It will sting for now, but we must use it as fuel and come back stronger.”
Jimmy Butler contributed 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists for the Warriors, who improved to a 28-11 record since his February 8 debut after being acquired from Miami.
VanVleet posted a total of 55 points over the final two games but was limited to just 17 points as the second-seeded Rockets faced an early exit.
Jalen Green, who scored 38 points in Houston’s game two victory, ended the match with only eight points.
“This being my first playoffs is no excuse,” he stated. “I have to perform better.”
The Warriors were without key reserve Gary Payton II, sidelined with an illness that coach Kerr described as having him “sick as a dog.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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