Strength in Numbers 3.0: Warriors Torch Rockets from Deep

Detailed Breakdown:

Opening Narrative – Context and Stakes:

Game 7 in Houston: The 153rd in NBA history.
Stakes couldn’t be higher: “Winner take all.”
Warriors vs. Rockets: The Rockets were playing with momentum and “house money.”
Warriors’ stars (Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Buddy Hield, Draymond Green) faced pressure after a shaky Game 6.

Key Game Themes & Analysis:

1. The Zone Defense Cracked Wide Open

Houston’s Strategy: Tried to slow down the Warriors with zone coverage.
Golden State’s Response: Buddy Hield turned into a “Zone Buster” — 6 threes in the first half, a Game 7 NBA record.
Steph’s Role: Drew double teams consistently, opening looks for Buddy and others.

Expert Take: Zones are designed to force lower-percentage shots, but when you’ve got elite shooters like Buddy and Steph, you’re asking to get torched. The Warriors knew exactly where the soft spots were — wings and corners — and punished them.

2. Steph Curry’s Masterclass in Patience and Impact

Scoreless Ohio 4 performance in Game 6? Forgotten.
Steph was surgical: 14-point 4th quarter, drawing double teams, leading in all major categories (points, assists, rebounds, steals).
“Night Night” Moment: Delivered again late — iconic Steph.

Expert Analysis: Steph’s evolution is underrated. He no longer forces his imprint through scoring alone — he lets gravity and IQ run the show, trusting teammates like Buddy to shine until it’s time for the kill shot.

3. Draymond Green: Defensive General and Emotional Catalyst

Held his matchup to 3-of-17 FG.
Classic Draymond: Emotional, scrappy, but elite help-side D.
Held Houston star Chengdu to 2-of-8.
Intangibles: Called a players-only meeting the night before Game 7.

Expert View: Draymond’s impact can’t always be quantified. This was vintage DPOY-level defense. While he might get techs and flagrants, his leadership and on-court IQ are championship glue.

4. The New Warriors: “3.0” Era in Full Effect

Version 1.0: Splash Bros + Draymond
Version 2.0: KD Joins, Superteam Dominance
Version 3.0 (Now): Steph + Dray + Jimmy Butler + Buddy Hield
Jimmy’s “Playoff Jimmy” presence: 7 assists, clutch passing, unselfish leadership.
“Strength in Numbers” is back — with a new cast.

Analyst Note: This team doesn’t just rely on Steph’s brilliance. They’ve retooled with shooters, defenders, and veterans who can share the load. Jimmy and Buddy’s presence proved that in Game 7.

5. Rockets’ Collapse: 3-Point Woes

6-of-18 from three (only 3 makes before garbage time).
Contrast: Warriors hit 18 threes — 9 from Buddy alone.

Strategic Insight: In today’s NBA, if you can’t match pace and spacing, you drown. The Rockets failed to stretch the floor, and their defense wasn’t strong enough to survive the barrage.

Final Score:

Warriors 103, Rockets 89

Buddy Hield: 33 points
Steph Curry: 22 points (14 in 4Q), 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals
Draymond Green: Defensive gem, 3-of-17 held matchup
Jimmy Butler: Quiet leadership, playmaking

Conclusion:

This was less a Game 7 and more a coronation of the Warriors’ third evolution. Houston came in with energy and momentum, but Golden State had the culture, the stars, and the clarity. Buddy Hield’s coming-out party as a big-game shot maker, Steph’s poise, and Draymond’s fire reminded the NBA that while the names may change, the DNA remains championship-grade.