The advantage did lie with the Houston Rockets as they played Game 7 on their home turf. But there’s no substitute for experience. The Golden State Warriors held their nerves and comfortably put down the Rockets in the win-or-go-home matchup. Major contributions from Buddy Hield and clutch buckets from both Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler sealed a spot in the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. And after the game, the celebrations were wholesome.
After some celebration with his teammates, Curry spotted a familiar face in the crowd. He went over Shaunie Henderson, Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-wife. The producer, who now resides in Houston with her pastor husband Keion Henderson, couldn’t miss the pulsating action that Game 7 promised to be. While it didn’t exactly deliver, her appearance didn’t go to waste.
Following the victory, Curry could be seen going over to greet the former Basketball Wives member. The short interaction ended with smiles from both sides as the Chef headed towards the tunnel to celebrate a huge win.
Against all odds, the Warriors suffocated the Rockets, flipping the script from games 5 and 6. Stephen Curry though, had to battle a slump to start the game. He only scored 3 points in the first half. But when it mattered most, he turned up. Curry splashed 14 points in the breakaway fourth quarter to vanquish the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center.
Apr 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Warriors’ hot streak since acquiring Jimmy Butler has now proven to be greatly effective during the biggest part of the season. But the elusive price is still a far way from the Warriors’ grasp. An equally hard matchup against the Timberwolves is up next. And while Curry is the greatest shooter the NBA has seen, Edwards not only led the league in three-point scoring, but he desperately wants to get the better of another pioneer of the game.
Stephen Curry and the Warriors give the ‘night night’ to the Rockets
Curry served as an architect to bury the Houston Rockets just when they seemed close to getting back in the game. After a lackadaisical first quarter, the home team managed to cut the deficit to eight points by the end of the third. Amen Thompson was sensational, scoring 24 points and showing no nervousness in his first Game 7 experience.
However, the Warriors had other tools. The Rockets just couldn’t find any.
As their offense slowed down in the final quarter, the Warriors put on a clinic. Aside from Curry, the plaudits went to Buddy Hield for his electric performance. He led the game in scoring, compiling 33 points, including 22 in the first half. After going scoreless in Game 6, Hield connected on 9 three-pointers, tying the record for a Game 7.
The Warriors’ offense was collectively great in their display against the Rockets. They shot 47.6% from he floor and 41.9% from three. They also took an 18-6 lead in three-pointers, led by Hield’s flurry.
After a disastrous few games, a performance like this will help immensely in boosting the Warriors’ confidence. They won against a superior opponent even after their weaknesses were exposed. Now, the focus shifts onto an opponent that has been resting and watching. The Timberwolves, led by a charismatic Anthony Edwards, took just five games to dismiss the third-seeded Lakers.
During the regular season, the Warriors won three of their four matchups against the Timberwolves. But in the playoffs, those numbers don’t matter. It’s all about who can rise to the occasion. And with the way these two teams are built, there are plenty of stars who could dictate the outcome of this series.
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