NBA/ Warriors overcome rockets in game 7 thriller, advance to face Timberwolves
The Golden State Warriors showcased their championship pedigree Monday night, overcoming a resilient Houston Rockets squad in a decisive Game 7 to win 103-89 and secure their spot in the Western Conference semifinals.
After squandering a 3-1 series lead and allowing the Rockets to force a winner-takes-all finale, the Warriors leaned on the late-game heroics of Stephen Curry and a breakout performance from Buddy Hield to avoid a historic collapse.
Curry, who struggled early, erupted for 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Meanwhile, Hield delivered a career-defining performance, draining nine three-pointers en route to a game-high 33 points.
“We blocked out all the noise and just understood we had 48 minutes to dig deep,” Curry said postgame. “Everybody contributed. Buddy was unbelievable.”
The Rockets, who finished second in the West during the regular season, had hoped to become just the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit. But Golden State’s veteran poise and timely shot-making proved too much in the end.
Jimmy Butler, acquired from Miami in February, provided a crucial all-around effort with 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. His integration into the Warriors’ system has been seamless, and his presence was vital in the high-stakes environment.
“For us to build chemistry on the fly, trust on the fly, and perform like this in a Game 7—it means everything,” Curry added. “Mission accomplished—step one.”
Golden State now shifts focus to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who present a formidable challenge with their elite defense and rising star Anthony Edwards.
Pacers stun cavaliers in game 1 upset
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Indiana Pacers sent a strong message with a 121-112 road victory over the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
Andrew Nembhard led the charge with 23 points, while All-Star Tyrese Haliburton added 22 in a balanced offensive attack. The Cavaliers, who swept Miami in the first round, suffered their first postseason loss of 2024.
“We’re definitely the heavy underdog,” Haliburton admitted. “But we’re trying to control what we can. This gives us momentum, but Cleveland is the best team in our conference—they don’t lose much.”
Game 2 is set for Wednesday in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers will look to even the series before it shifts to Indiana.
