Draymond Green and Steph Curry Lead Warriors to Game 7 Victory with Unforgettable Performances
HOUSTON – It was a night that encapsulated everything Draymond Green stands for as a leader and competitor. On Sunday night at the Toyota Center, Green set the tone from the very first possession of the game, showcasing his unmatched intensity and defensive prowess. He made an early impact by contesting Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun’s hook shot, forcing a travel on the following possession, and immediately contributing offensively with a cut to the basket and a wide-open layup. A 3-pointer early on capped his fiery start and put the Warriors in the driver’s seat.
This wasn’t just another game for Green. Coming off a disappointing Game 6 performance where he failed to keep his cool, Green had a chance for redemption. Coach Steve Kerr revealed that the night before Game 7, Green addressed his teammates and set the tone in a team meeting, admitting his mistakes and calling for accountability. “You can’t be a leader and not be accountable,” Green said. “I wanted to address it, number one. And then tell everybody else what we needed, which was a togetherness like no other.” Green’s heart-to-heart message resonated throughout the locker room, and his performance on the court was a direct reflection of his commitment to the team.
Green’s 16 points were crucial, and his defensive dominance on Sengun was felt throughout the game. Despite Sengun’s 21 points and 14 rebounds, Green’s defensive intensity made the Rockets’ star player ineffective, with Sengun finishing as a game-low minus-12. Green’s plus-18 on the night was a testament to his all-around impact, as he made life miserable for his opponents on both ends of the floor.
While Green set the stage, Steph Curry took over when it mattered most. Curry struggled early, scoring just three points at halftime and showing signs of fatigue against relentless defense from the Rockets. But in the fourth quarter, Curry was nothing short of spectacular. He scored 14 points in the final frame, shooting 5-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from deep. Curry’s clutch play was a reminder of his unshakeable confidence in high-pressure moments. His step-back three with Amen Thompson guarding him pushed the Warriors’ lead to 13 points, sealing the Rockets’ fate and sending their coach, Ime Udoka, into an early timeout.
Despite Curry’s scoring difficulties throughout the game, his leadership and ability to make the right plays were just as important. Curry had a game-high plus-16 at halftime, thanks to his contributions in other areas. He led all players in defensive rebounds (six), assists (five), steals (one), and blocked shots (two), proving his all-around value even when the scoring wasn’t coming easily.
Curry’s performance was a true reflection of his greatness—impacting the game in more ways than just scoring. When the Warriors needed a spark, he delivered. His game-high 14-point fourth quarter was an all-time playoff performance, showing why he’s one of the greatest to ever play the game. After hitting a late three-pointer, Curry taunted the Rockets’ fans with his signature “Night Night” celebration, solidifying the Warriors’ commanding 103-89 win.
Curry’s postgame words were simple, yet powerful: “I’m a winner.” With the victory, Curry further cemented his legacy as one of the best playoff performers in NBA history. This Game 7 win marked his fifth series win over the Rockets, and he became just one of seven players to have three Game 7 victories on the road. His teammates, including Green and Kevon Looney, shared in the glory of this historic achievement.
The night ended with Green and Curry, as they have countless times before, sharing a moment of joy in the tunnel, both celebrating the victory in their own unique ways. The Warriors’ chemistry and competitive spirit were on full display as they prepare for their next challenge in Minnesota. Despite the ups and downs, Draymond Green and Steph Curry proved once again that they are built for the big moments. With their drive and leadership, the Warriors remain a force to be reckoned with as they chase another championship.
