The Golden State Warriors are moving on to the Western Conference Semifinals, thanks to an unforgettable Game 7 performance from Buddy Hield. In a 103-89 victory over the Houston Rockets, Hield delivered one of the most efficient shooting displays in NBA playoff history, scoring 33 points on 12-of-15 shooting, including a scorching 9-of-11 from beyond the arc.
From the opening tip, Hield was locked in. He scored 22 points in the first half, keeping the Warriors afloat while Stephen Curry struggled early. His shooting display was so dominant that he became the first player in NBA history to score 30+ points in a Game 7 without attempting a free throw.
Hield’s impact extended beyond his scoring—his ability to stretch the floor forced the Rockets’ defense into difficult rotations, opening up opportunities for his teammates.
all NINE Buddy Hield threes 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Xn2xN8N6TO
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) May 5, 2025
While Hield stole the show, the Warriors’ experienced core ensured the victory. Curry, after scoring just three points in the first half, came alive in the fourth quarter, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Jimmy Butler contributed 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Draymond Green added 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Golden State’s defense was suffocating, holding Houston to 40.5% shooting from the field and limiting their three-point efficiency to just 33.3%. The Rockets struggled to find consistent offense, with Amen Thompson (24 points) and Alperen Sengun (21 points, 14 rebounds) leading the way, but receiving little support from the rest of the roster.
Despite Houston cutting the deficit to three points in the third quarter, the Warriors responded with a 12-0 run in the fourth, extending their lead to 94-74 and putting the game out of reach. Hield and Curry’s clutch shooting and Green and Butler’s defensive intensity ensured Golden State never looked back.
With the win, the seventh-seeded Warriors advance to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Semifinals, with Game 1 set for Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Rockets head into the offseason with questions about their roster construction and whether they need to add more shooting to complement their young core.
