What's happened
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets in Game 7, securing their place in the conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield played pivotal roles, with Hield scoring a record nine 3-pointers in the decisive match. Game 1 against the Timberwolves is scheduled for Tuesday.
What's behind the headline?
Key Performers
- Buddy Hield: Scored a game-high 33 points, including nine 3-pointers, setting an NBA record for a Game 7.
- Stephen Curry: Contributed 22 points, with 14 coming in the crucial fourth quarter.
Series Dynamics
- The Warriors demonstrated resilience, overcoming a strong challenge from the Rockets, who had momentum after two consecutive wins.
- Curry's late-game performance was critical, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Upcoming Challenges
- Facing the Timberwolves, who recently eliminated the Lakers, the Warriors will need to maintain their momentum and adapt to a new opponent's style. This matchup will test their depth and experience in the playoffs.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the Warriors' victory was characterized by a strong team effort, with Curry praising Hield's performance: "Buddy Hield was unbelievable." The NY Post highlighted Hield's record-setting shooting, noting he made more 3-pointers than the entire Rockets team. The Japan Times emphasized Curry's pivotal role in the fourth quarter, stating he opened the final frame with five straight points, sealing the game for the Warriors. Each source underscores the significance of the Warriors' experience and teamwork in their playoff success.
How we got here
The Warriors, seeded seventh, faced the second-seeded Rockets in a tense playoff series. After leading 3-1, they needed a Game 7 victory to avoid elimination. This win marks their fifth playoff series victory over Houston since 2015.
Go deeper
- What were the key moments in the Game 7 victory?
- How did the Timberwolves perform in their last series?
- What are the predictions for the Warriors vs. Timberwolves matchup?
Common question
-
What to Expect in the Warriors vs Timberwolves Playoff Series?
As the NBA playoffs heat up, the Golden State Warriors are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in an exciting conference semifinal matchup. With both teams showcasing impressive performances leading up to this series, fans are eager to know what key matchups and standout players to watch for. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in this thrilling playoff clash.
-
Who are the top players to watch in the NBA playoffs 2025?
As the NBA playoffs heat up, fans are eager to know which players are making waves on the court. With standout performances and record-breaking moments, this year's playoffs are showcasing some of the league's brightest stars. Below, we explore key players, their statistics, and the impact of their performances on their teams' success.
More on these topics
-
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston. The Rockets compete in the National Basketball Association as a member team of the league's Western Conference Southwest Division.
-
Wardell Stephen "Steph" Curry II is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association. Many players and analysts have called him the greatest shooter in NBA history.
-
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in San Francisco. The Warriors compete in the National Basketball Association, as a member of the league's Western Conference Pacific Division.
-
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league's Western Conference Northwest Division.