Heading into Game 7 against the Rockets, after watching Golden State struggle significantly in the previous two matchups, few would have predicted the Warriors holding a 12-point halftime lead on the road, especially with Stephen Curry scoring only three points. Yet, that`s precisely what unfolded. Curry`s first successful shot didn`t come until the final 33 seconds of the half, making the 12-point advantage even more improbable against a Houston team that had not just defeated, but thoroughly dominated them in Games 5 and 6.
Several factors contributed. Golden State demonstrated excellent ball security, committing only seven turnovers—a testament to Curry`s disciplined management despite his scoring struggles. Their defense was outstanding, particularly Steve Kerr`s well-timed decision to deploy a zone defense. The young, shooting-challenged Rockets proved unable to effectively counter this tactical shift on the fly and missed numerous shots.
Crucially, however, the primary catalyst was Buddy Hield, who delivered perhaps the performance of his professional career. Hield erupted for six 3-pointers, totaling 22 points in the first half. His scoring accounted for nearly half of Golden State`s offense through two quarters, providing a much-needed cushion and a sense of relief at halftime.
Hield wasn`t finished. He added 11 points in the fourth quarter, finishing with a remarkable 33 points for the game, including nine successful 3-pointers. This tally of nine three-pointers tied Donte DiVincenzo`s NBA record for the most ever made in a Game 7.
Essentially, Hield performed vital resuscitation on a Warriors offense that had appeared lifeless in the previous two games. His 42-foot shot at the first-quarter buzzer felt like the moment Golden State truly sprang back to life. While the Warriors` offense still wasn`t operating at its typical comfort level, Hield stepped up to punish the Rockets for the intense defensive focus they placed on Stephen Curry.
In contrast, many other Warriors players struggled. While Jimmy Butler scored 20 points, he didn`t exhibit the aggressive scoring mindset early on that seemed necessary. Moses Moody appeared completely overwhelmed by the high stakes, missing all five of his shots. Jonathan Kuminga had zero impact. Gary Payton II was sidelined due to illness. Brandin Podziemski missed six of his seven three-point attempts. Draymond Green contributed significantly on both ends but also made only two of his eight three-pointers.
Amidst these struggles, Buddy Hield almost single-handedly carried the scoring burden until Stephen Curry finally ignited with 19 points in the second half. Hield`s season has been inconsistent, starting strong before cooling off for months and shifting frequently within the rotation, even coming close to losing his spot entirely. His Game 7 performance serves as a perfect illustration of the unwavering confidence of a world-class shooter—always ready, never hesitating.
Consider the remarkable courage it takes: despite missing 12 of his last 15 three-point attempts in the series, including all six in the previous two games, he attacked Game 7 on the road by immediately firing away as if he`d been hot all along. It`s striking how being placed alongside players like Curry, Green, and now Butler, seems to unlock the absolute best version of Hield precisely when the stakes are highest and the margin for error non-existent.
Coach Steve Kerr praised Hield`s impact beyond scoring. “I thought his defense was tremendous tonight,” Kerr commented. “One of the keys to the game was Fred VanVleet only getting two free throws. Fred just destroyed us the last three games… and I thought Buddy did a great job on him and on [Jalen] Green, who managed only eight points on eight shots. So, this was not just a lights-out shooting performance from Buddy. It was a two-way performance.”
The Warriors now advance to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round. Minnesota presents many challenges similar to Houston`s, being an extremely athletic and physical defensive team capable of overwhelming Golden State on the offensive boards. Furthermore, they possess a superstar scorer in Anthony Edwards, which Houston lacks.
Another tough battle awaits, starting Tuesday, leaving little rest for the veteran Warriors. Nevertheless, they are alive and through to the second round of the playoffs. For a team that was below .500 at the trade deadline, that`s a significant achievement. And they owe Buddy Hield a substantial debt of gratitude for his pivotal role in making it happen.
Jasper Hawthorne