The anticipation is palpable as the Houston Rockets prepare to host the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of their Western Conference first-round series. This decisive matchup will determine who advances to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the semifinals, with Game 1 scheduled for Tuesday.
Series Background
The Warriors initially held a commanding 3-1 lead in the series but have since lost two consecutive games to the Rockets, shifting the momentum in favor of the home team. This is not the first time these two teams have met in a Game 7; they previously faced off in the 2018 Western Conference Finals, where the Rockets infamously missed 27 straight 3-pointers and lost.
A victory for Houston would mark a historic achievement, making them the 14th team to overcome a 3-1 series deficit and the first to do so three times in NBA postseason history, according to ESPN Research.
Key Players to Watch
The Warriors boast one of the best Game 7 performers in history: Stephen Curry. With an average of 32.6 points in Game 7s throughout his career, Curry ranks fourth all-time among players who have participated in at least three such games, trailing only legends like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan. Notably, he scored 50 points in a Game 7 victory against the Sacramento Kings during the 2023 first-round series.
However, Curry has faced challenges in the recent games, dealing with a sore thumb and shooting below 40% in the last two losses to the Rockets. He has been outplayed by Rockets guard Fred VanVleet, who has been on fire, shooting 18-for-27 from beyond the arc over the last three games.
The Pressure is On
As the stakes rise, both Curry and Draymond Green find themselves at a crossroads, with a chance to either redeem their past or repeat it. Curry's last Game 7 experience was a triumph, but the pressure is mounting as they face the possibility of a historic collapse.
Jimmy Butler, another key player, has been a reliable teammate since his midseason trade, expressing confidence in their collective ability to win. “We’re going to win together, we’re going to lose together,” Butler stated. “And I know we’re definitely going to win together come Sunday.”
Conclusion: A Do-or-Die Situation
With the series tied at 3-3, the Warriors must navigate this crucial Game 7 without room for error. As Curry noted, they are grateful for the opportunity to continue fighting, but the question remains: how much longer will their season last? Sunday’s game will ultimately determine whether they can celebrate victory or face elimination.
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