The Golden State Warriors sent a clear message to the rest of the NBA on May 5, 2025. They still possess the grit, talent, and championship mentality needed to win in the league’s most intense moments. In a packed Chase Center, Stephen Curry and the Warriors closed out their first-round series against the Houston Rockets with a 119–113 win in Game 7. The victory propelled them into the Western Conference Semifinals, setting the stage for another deep playoff run.
Warriors Lean on Experience and Leadership
Stephen Curry led from the front once again. He dropped 36 points, nailed seven three-pointers, and added eight assists to his tally. Every time the Rockets attempted a comeback, Curry responded with a dagger three or a fearless drive to the rim. He dictated the pace, calmed the nerves, and rallied the home crowd.
Draymond Green embraced his role as the emotional engine of the team. He registered a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds, along with three steals. His hustle plays and relentless defense disrupted Houston’s rhythm during crunch time. He also kept the Warriors’ defensive unit organized, especially when the Rockets ran fast breaks.
Klay Thompson, while inconsistent throughout the series, found rhythm in Game 7. He contributed 21 points, hit clutch perimeter shots in the third quarter, and showcased solid on-ball defense against Rockets’ rising star Jalen Green. Together, the trio of Curry, Green, and Thompson relied on chemistry built over a decade.
Houston Rockets Push Warriors to the Edge
The Rockets did not go down quietly. Head coach Ime Udoka shaped a young, athletic team that pushed Golden State to seven games. Jalen Green, who led Houston in scoring throughout the series, tallied 29 points in Game 7. He exploded in the second quarter, scoring 15 points and slashing through Golden State’s defense.
Alperen Şengün dominated the paint for stretches, scoring 18 points and grabbing nine rebounds. His footwork and touch around the rim challenged Kevon Looney and forced the Warriors to double-team him frequently.
However, Houston struggled with turnovers. They coughed up the ball 17 times in Game 7, compared to Golden State’s 11. These giveaways allowed the Warriors to score in transition and seize control late in the fourth quarter. Despite valiant efforts, Houston lacked the late-game execution needed to pull off the upset.
Coaching: Kerr’s Adjustments Prove Crucial
Warriors coach Steve Kerr made bold adjustments throughout the series. In Game 7, he inserted rookie guard Brandin Podziemski early in the second quarter. The young player responded by hitting two key threes and bringing high energy on defense. Kerr also trusted Jonathan Kuminga to guard the Rockets’ wings, which slowed Houston’s perimeter shooting.
Kerr’s decision to go small in the final five minutes paid off. By deploying Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Green, and Gary Payton II, Kerr ensured maximum floor spacing and switchable defense. That lineup closed the game with a 12–4 run, sealing the victory.
Udoka, on the other hand, drew praise for taking a rebuilding team to the playoffs and stretching a veteran squad to the limit. He installed a defensive mindset in his roster, and his rotations consistently challenged the Warriors. The Rockets will enter the offseason with heads held high and eyes on a bright future.
Key Stats from Game 7
- Stephen Curry: 36 points, 8 assists, 7 three-pointers
- Jalen Green: 29 points, 5 rebounds
- Draymond Green: 12 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals
- Warriors Bench Points: 32
- Rockets Turnovers: 17
- Warriors Fast-Break Points: 22
- Field Goal Percentage (GSW): 49%
- Field Goal Percentage (HOU): 45%
Series Recap: A Battle from Start to Finish
The series swung wildly. Golden State took a 2–0 lead after holding home court. Curry scored 31 and 33 points respectively in the first two games. But when the series shifted to Houston, the Rockets answered back. They won Game 3 in overtime and stunned the Warriors in Game 4 with a buzzer-beating three from Dillon Brooks.
Game 5 saw a vintage performance from Klay Thompson at Chase Center, but Game 6 in Houston featured a breakout game from Şengün, who tallied 26 points and 11 rebounds. That forced a Game 7 that tested both teams’ mental strength.
What This Win Means for Golden State
The win marks the Warriors’ 10th appearance in the Conference Semifinals in the past 12 years. This time, the journey feels different. Golden State entered the playoffs as the 6th seed. Critics questioned their aging core. Pundits wrote off their defense. But Curry, Kerr, and the rest of the team refused to fold.
The Warriors now move on to face the second-seeded Denver Nuggets, the reigning NBA Champions, led by Nikola Jokić. That matchup promises fireworks. Golden State will need consistent scoring from Andrew Wiggins, impactful bench minutes from Moses Moody, and error-free ball handling to overcome Denver’s size and tactical offense.
Houston Rockets: A Team on the Rise
Despite the loss, the Rockets earned league-wide respect. Their rebuild progressed faster than expected. Players like Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Amen Thompson showed promise throughout the series. Jalen Green solidified his status as a future All-Star, and Şengün emerged as one of the best young centers in the league.
With cap space, draft picks, and strong leadership from Udoka, the Rockets now sit at a turning point. They can chase key free agents in the offseason or develop their youth core further. Either way, Houston’s playoff future looks secure.
Reactions and Quotes
Stephen Curry told reporters after the game, “People keep asking if we still have it. Well, here’s your answer. We just battled a tough team and came out stronger.”
Steve Kerr added, “Houston gave us everything. Ime has done an incredible job. We had to play near-perfect basketball to win tonight.”
Ime Udoka said, “We’ll grow from this. Our guys gave everything. This is just the beginning for us.”
Looking Ahead
- Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets – Game 1: Scheduled for May 8, 2025, at Ball Arena, Denver
- Houston Rockets: Enter offseason evaluations with optimism, expected to be aggressive in trade discussions
- Western Conference Outlook: With Phoenix and Minnesota also advancing, the West has no easy path to the Finals
Final Thoughts
The Golden State Warriors just proved they still belong among the NBA’s elite. They faced adversity, youthful energy, and playoff pressure — and rose above it. As they prepare to battle the Denver Nuggets, the basketball world will watch closely. One era tries to hold on. Another rises quickly. The playoffs just got even more exciting.
