The Golden State Warriors advanced to the second round of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs after defeating the Houston Rockets 103–89 in a hard-fought Game 7. While Golden State’s veteran experience ultimately proved decisive, Warriors forward Draymond Green made sure to acknowledge the Rockets’ young and talented core following the win.
After the game, Green praised Houston’s resilience throughout the series, highlighting their potential to become a legitimate force in the league and for his team of young players who can make anyone fight.
“I gained a lot of respect for that team throughout this series,” Green said. “One of the tougher series I’ve played in personally. That’s a young team to be reckoned with. … I gained so much respect for those guys. (Alperen) Şengün is an incredible player. The way Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams led those guys—they had no experience, and they took us to the brink. That team is gonna be a force to be reckoned with, and I hope they understand it.”
Green was especially complimentary of Şengün, who gave him a physical challenge in the paint all series long. He also recognized the veteran leadership of VanVleet and Adams, whose experience helped guide a largely untested group through a grueling seven-game series.
Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors
Amen Thompson deserves his flowers
One player Green didn’t mention by name—but who stood out throughout the NBA series—was Amen Thompson. The 22-year-old guard made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, providing scoring, playmaking, and elite-level defense. At times, he was tasked with the near-impossible: guarding Stephen Curry.
see also
NBA News: Rockets’ Sengun makes a major statement before game 7 vs Warriors
Thompson did all he could to rally Houston in Game 7, finishing with 24 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. It was a breakout postseason performance for the second-year guard—one that will likely be remembered as a major step forward in his development.
Steve Kerr credits Draymond for leadership in crucial win
Meanwhile, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made it clear that Draymond Green’s leadership was instrumental in Golden State’s Game 7 victory in the NBA playoffs.
According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Kerr revealed that Green helped refocus the team in a pregame meeting the night before. “Draymond Green set the tone,” Kerr said. “He admitted his early flagrant cost us in Game 6 and made it clear he’d keep his poise in Game 7.”
Green delivered on that promise. Despite an early foul on VanVleet that could have escalated, he maintained his composure and delivered a dominant two-way performance. He finished with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks—anchoring a Warriors defense that limited the Rockets to just 89 points.
