Steph Curry Put The Rockets To Sleep For Good As The Warriors Avoid Disaster And Win Game 7

Logan Riely. Getty Images.

The last time we saw Steph Curry play in a Game 7, he dropped a 50 burger in a win over the Kings back in 2023. For a short time, that was the record in a Game 7, until Jayson Tatum's 51 against the Sixers that same year. He's easily one of the most terrifying players to have to deal with in these win or go home type games, and tonight was the perfect example why.

Up 3-1, it was hard to imagine the Warriors losing 3 straight to fumble away this series. There's too much talent, too much experience, and honestly, too much shooting. There's a reason you don't see a bunch of 3-1 collapses, it's hard as hell to beat a team 3 straight times in this environment. Just getting to a Game 7 is an accomplishment, but from there all you can do is pray.\

Game 7s are weird. Sometimes it's one prayer performance that's ultimately the difference and tonight it was no different. For the Warriors, that performance came via Buddy Hield

I know where I've seen this before. This was just like Grant Williams going for 27 points and burying 7 3PM against the Bucks to win that Game 7. Only this time, Buddy Hield barely missed. This type of showing is exactly why you avoid Game 7s. On one end, you had the Rockets unable to hit a shot, finishing with just 40/33% splits as a team and their best players a complete brick all night.

Then on the other end you have Buddy Hield making more 3s than the Rockets entire team. That shooting variance is why Game 7s are either the best thing ever or the worst thing ever depending on which team you root for. You knew as soon as he hit that half court buzzer beater to end the first quarter that he was locked in, but I don't think Warriors fans expected THIS. How could you? Maybe you expected that type of production and showing from Steph Curry, but Buddy Hield? He saved their season.

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Because for about 95% of this game, Steph Curry was a non-factor in terms of scoring. Entering the 4th quarter, Steph had just 8 points on 3-10 (2-7) shooting. The Rockets were face guarding him at every opportunity, his shot was off, and he instead had to make an impact in other ways like rebounding and playmaking. But in that 4th quarter? Steph woke up. You can only hold him down for so long

What did I tell you about the Demon Warriors? They're back and as tough to kill as ever before. When it came time to shut the door and put the Rockets to bed, Steph Curry said night night

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This is the challenge that comes with trying to stop Steph. He's going to make you work for it for the entire 48 minutes, and eventually you're going to get tired or make a mistake, and when that happens, you're dead. When the supporting cast also helps carry the load until Steph can shake loose? That's also death. Ultimately, these games come down to who can make the most plays in high leverage situations, and that's where a team like GS thrives.

For the Rockets, welcome to your initial playoff scars. This is how it works. This is what the journey up the mountain looks like for a young team making their first run. Losing a Game 7 at home is painful. Losing a series to a 7 seed as a 2 seed is tough. These are the moments that help shape your future. It may not feel like that at the moment, but this is what everyone has to go through at some point. Nobody is able to skip steps. It's very clear they need to add offensive talent, but that's not exactly a new takeaway. Once again, an Ime led team struggled in the playoffs (and vs GS) offensively, and frankly, we've seen that story before (sigh). The question now becomes, who is that guy? Do you cash in your chips for KD or Giannis? Do you upgrade at point guard? This is going to be a big summer for them since this team looks ready to compete. 

Looking ahead, GS/MIN should be another great matchup. I'll take 7 games of Ant vs Steph, even if I have no idea how the Warriors are going to handle a team like the Wolves that are huge at every position. But that's why the playoffs are so much fun! They're riding high and rested, and the Warriors will be up against it with such a quick turnaround, but that's why you need to avoid long series. You know Ant will be ready to take down another giant, and this time the target is both Steph and Playoff Jimmy. I'm just praying for health on both sides and for a long series. As fans, I think we deserve that.

The Demon Warriors made their deadline trade for this exact moment. Loading up for a deep playoff run. And just like the old Warriors Dynasty, just when you think they might be dead, they aren't. Instead, your season is over and Steph Curry is dancing in your grave. Cruel world.