San Francisco, California — The Golden State Warriors clinched a decisive victory, defeating the Houston Rockets 103-89 in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night. The win showcased the team’s resilience, particularly in the crucial fourth quarter, where they pulled ahead to secure the series.

Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield were instrumental in the Warriors’ victory, combining for a total of 55 points. Their scoring pushed Golden State to pull away during the final moments of the game. Despite a rough start, Curry rallied back with a double-double, finishing the night with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. His shooting included eight field goals out of 16 attempts and four three-pointers from ten tries.

The Rockets started to gain some ground late in the game, narrowing the Warriors’ once-greater lead to just seven points with a little over eight minutes remaining. However, Houston struggled to maintain momentum, as Golden State’s defense repeatedly thwarted any attempts to close the gap.

Hield played a critical role in the first half, scoring a game-high 33 points, with 22 points coming before halftime. He shot an impressive 9-of-11 from three-point range, significantly contributing to the Warriors’ offensive strategy early on.

Jimmy Butler also made a noteworthy impact for the Rockets, scoring 20 points while efficiently shooting 7-of-13 from the field. He assisted in keeping his team within reach, adding seven assists to his performance. Despite his efforts, the Rockets were unable to overcome the Warriors’ defense.

Houston’s overall offensive struggles were evident throughout the game. The team shot just 40.5 percent from the field and managed only 14 assists against 11 turnovers, which hindered their ability to execute their game plan effectively. Alperen Şengün was a bright spot for the Rockets, posting 21 points and 14 rebounds, but he faced challenges in his shooting efficiency, hitting just nine of his 23 attempts.

The outcome of the game means the Rockets are officially eliminated from the playoffs, concluding their postseason journey. The Warriors will now prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round, where they hope to build on this momentum as they seek to advance further in the playoffs.