Warriors Eliminate Rockets 103-89 in Game 7 Playoff Defeat

The Houston Rockets' playoff run ended with a 103-89 Game 7 loss to the Golden State Warriors, despite rallying from a 3-1 series deficit to force the decider. Buddy Hield set an NBA Game 7 record by hitting nine three-pointers and scored 33 points, while Stephen Curry contributed 22 points—14 in the fourth quarter—to secure the Warriors' advance to the Western Conference semifinals. Houston, the Western Conference's No. 2 seed, struggled offensively, with key players like Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun unable to replicate earlier performances, and the team shot just 6-of-18 from long range. Rookie Amen Thompson was a bright spot for the Rockets with 24 points, but the team's inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and the Warriors' strong defense proved decisive. The Warriors, a No. 7 seed, eliminated the Rockets from the playoffs for the fifth time and will face the Minnesota Timberwolves next. The Rockets' unexpected postseason success offers hope for future growth, but the loss serves as motivation for improvement.