The Golden State Warriors are moving on to the next round of the NBA playoffs, and it’s thanks to a fourth-quarter eruption by Stephen Curry. On Sunday night, the Rockets’ playoff hopes were dashed in a disappointing 103-89 loss, sending them packing from the postseason after a valiant comeback effort to force a Game 7.
Houston Rockets’ Playoff Hopes Fizzle Out in Game 7
The Houston Rockets, who had clawed their way back from a 3-1 deficit to force a decisive Game 7, were handed a crushing playoff exit. Despite winning consecutive games to tie the series, they couldn’t find their rhythm when it mattered most. Coach Ime Udoka shared his thoughts postgame, acknowledging the missed opportunity and looking ahead to future growth.
“We had our chances in this series,” Udoka said. “We all expected to continue to be playing, so it’s a letdown. It’s going to sting now, but use it as motivation, and let’s all come back better. Don’t be satisfied.”
Houston’s remarkable journey back to the postseason for the first time since 2020 came to an abrupt end. With 52 regular-season wins and securing the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets had high expectations. But in the end, the Warriors proved too much to handle.
“We had whatever amount of wins and second place and all that, but nobody cares about that right now,” Udoka remarked. “It’s about where we finished.”
Curry and Hield Deliver the Knockout Punch in the Second Half
As the Rockets struggled to close out the series, the Warriors relied on their two sharpshooters to seal the deal. Stephen Curry, who finished with 22 points, was unstoppable in the final quarter, contributing 14 of those points to put the game beyond reach. Meanwhile, Buddy Hield was a revelation, knocking down a record-breaking nine three-pointers to finish with 33 points.
Hield’s impressive performance included a sizzling 9 of 11 from beyond the arc, an NBA record for Game 7 shooting. This sharpshooting display from the Warriors’ dynamic duo overshadowed the Rockets, who managed just six three-pointers out of 18 attempts.
The Rockets never regained the lead after the first quarter, and as the game unfolded, Curry found his rhythm in the second half, taking over the game and sending the Warriors into the next round.
Rockets Struggle Under the Spotlight
Fred VanVleet had been the Rockets’ spark in the previous games, combining for 55 points in the last two contests. However, in Game 7, VanVleet couldn’t replicate his previous form, finishing with just 17 points on 6 of 13 shooting.
Despite this setback, the Rockets’ promising big man, Alperen Sengun, fought valiantly, finishing with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Yet, Sengun, who had displayed flashes of brilliance in the series, struggled with his shooting, making only 9 of 23 attempts.
Even with the loss, Sengun remained optimistic about the Rockets’ future.
“We learned how to play together,” Sengun said. “We talk every day. It was a hard series for us. Obviously, we’re upset right now, but it’s going to be a great offseason for us, and it’s going to make us better next year.”
Jalen Green’s Playoff Struggles
Jalen Green, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft, had a difficult Game 7, scoring just eight points. His performance was a far cry from the 38-point explosion he had in the Rockets’ Game 2 victory. Throughout the series, Green faced heavy criticism for not stepping up as a leader, as he scored fewer than 10 points in four of the seven games.
But Fred VanVleet, ever the veteran leader, defended his teammate.
“Everybody’s journey is different,” VanVleet said. “The weight of the world seems to be on his shoulders at times, but he played well. We knew they were going to load up on him. On the path to greatness, there’s going to be stumbles and failures.”
Looking Ahead: Rockets’ Promising Future
Despite their playoff exit, the Rockets’ young core has shown significant growth. The 2023-24 season may be over, but the potential is clear for a bright future. Coach Udoka’s focus remains on using this playoff experience as fuel for the next chapter.
“We’ve got to take the lessons learned here,” Udoka said. “We’ve made progress. Now, we’ve got to build on it.”
For the Warriors, it’s another successful playoff campaign, but as always, Curry’s brilliance shines brightest when the stakes are at their highest. The Rockets, while disappointed, will be motivated by their growth and the lessons learned from this hard-fought series.
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