Golden State Warriors have once again proven their playoff strength by defeating the Houston Rockets in Game 7 of the first-round NBA playoffs. With a score of 103-89, the Warriors advance to the Western Conference Semifinals, setting up an exciting clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Let’s take a closer look at how an emotional players-only meeting turned things around for Golden State, and how Buddy Hield’s historic performance sparked a memorable victory.
A Game-Changing Team Meeting
The night before the big game, Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Jimmy Butler III called a players-only meeting at the team hotel. The message was simple but powerful — take ownership, stay composed, and believe in each other.
Key Moments from the Meeting:
Draymond Green admitted he lost control in Game 6 and promised to keep his cool in Game 7.
Jimmy Butler acknowledged he wasn’t being the leader the team needed and vowed to uplift his teammates.
Stephen Curry focused on protecting the ball and playing smarter basketball.
Even coach Steve Kerr joined in later and praised the accountability shown by the team leaders.
“Draymond set the tone last night,” Kerr said. “He addressed everything I was going to bring up. It really unified the team.”
Draymond Green: Defence and Leadership
Draymond Green started Game 7 with intensity and focus. He made an immediate impact on defence and on the scoreboard.
Green’s Key Contributions:
Forced a miss and a travelling violation from Alperen Sengun early in the game.
Scored the team’s first five points.
Hit two early three-pointers, setting the tone for Golden State.
His emotional stability and defensive presence helped anchor the Warriors throughout the match.
Buddy Hield: A Historic Night
After going scoreless in Game 6, Buddy Hield delivered a career performance that helped crack Houston’s zone defence and fire up his teammates.
Hield’s Incredible Stats:
33 points total, with 22 in the first quarter alone.
Set a Game 7 record with 6 three-pointers in the first half.
Finished with 9 three-pointers, tying the all-time record for Game 7.
Most points ever scored after being scoreless in the previous playoff game (source: ESPN Research).
“The meeting gave me energy,” Hield said. “I was locked in and ready.”
He also played lockdown defence on Fred VanVleet, limiting him to just two free throws after dominating previous games.
Stephen Curry: Calm Under Pressure
Though he had a slow start, Stephen Curry stepped up when it mattered most — especially in the fourth quarter.
Curry’s Game 7 Breakdown:
22 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter.
10 rebounds and 7 assists.
Just 2 turnovers, improving from the 5 he had in Game 6.
Battled through a thumb injury to lead the offence.
“It was one of the toughest defences I’ve faced,” Curry admitted. “But I stayed patient and aggressive.”
His clutch shots and smart decision-making helped hold off every Rockets comeback attempt.
Jimmy Butler: Leadership and Confidence
In his first Game 7 with the Warriors, Jimmy Butler rediscovered his role as a confident leader and made sure his teammates felt it.
Butler’s Impact:
20 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists.
Hit a key corner 3-pointer when the Rockets pulled within three points.
Assisted Green and hit crucial shots late in the third quarter to rebuild the lead.
“I wasn’t pumping up my guys like I should have,” Butler said. “That changed in the meeting — I got back to who I’m supposed to be.”
A Perfectly Balanced Series
Interestingly, both teams scored a total of 728 points across all seven games. According to ESPN Research, this is only the fourth time in NBA history that both teams in a 7-game series ended with identical point totals.
Other Series with Equal Points:
2008 Conference Semis: Spurs vs. Hornets
1994 Conference Finals: Knicks vs. Pacers
1961 Division Finals: Hawks vs. Lakers
Despite the equal point tally, it was the Warriors who came out on top when it counted most.
What’s Next for Golden State?
With the win, the Warriors move on to face Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round. The next game takes place Tuesday at Target Center.
Coach Steve Kerr on the Victory:
“At the trade deadline, no one expected this. But these guys fought back to give us a real chance. That’s all you can ask for — a shot at meaningful basketball.”
Final Thoughts
The Warriors once again proved that heart, leadership, and accountability matter just as much as talent. From an emotional team meeting to a dominant Game 7, Golden State reminded everyone why they are still championship contenders.
Key Takeaways:
Players-only meetings can spark major turnarounds.
Buddy Hield had one of the best Game 7 performances in history.
Curry, Green, and Butler showed why leadership wins playoff games.
Source: ESPN / Post-game Interviews / Team Stats & Research