The Houston Rockets will host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday in a decisive Game 7 of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs first round, with both teams vying for a spot in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Rockets and Alperen Sengun are on the verge of making history, aiming to become one of the few teams to erase a 3–1 series deficit.
Leading the charge is Houston’s rising star, Alperen Sengun, who voiced confidence in his team’s ability to close out the series on their home floor. After back-to-back wins in Games 5 and 6, the Rockets believe that attention to detail will be the key to finishing off Golden State.
“I don’t think they’ve beaten us yet—we’ve beaten ourselves in this series,” Sengun said during Sunday’s shootaround. “We missed free throws, easy shots. When we’re locked in—both defensively and offensively—we have all the talent in the world. There’s no reason for us to lose this game.”
Sengun’s assessment isn’t far off. Every game in the series has been tightly contested, and while Houston’s aggressive defense has frustrated the Warriors, both sides have squandered opportunities with missed open looks. The NBA Game 7 is expected to hinge on execution, efficiency, and defensive intensity.
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs
Sengun respects Warriors’ experience
Sengun is also fully aware of the magnitude of the moment, especially against a battle-tested Golden State Warriors roster featuring Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
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“We know it’s going to be tough. They have so much more experience than us, but we’re ready for it. We’re going to play hard,” Sengun added. “We just need to do what we’ve done the past two games—compete for 50/50 balls, crash the offensive glass, and execute. That’s how we get the win.”
Warriors without key defender in Game 7
The Warriors will be without a key rotation player, as guard Gary Payton II has been ruled out due to illness. Head coach Steve Kerr confirmed the news prior to tip-off, citing that Payton was too unwell to play.
“Gary woke up sick, hasn’t been able to eat,” Kerr said, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “There’s no way he can play. We’re still discussing the impact on the rotation and potential lineup adjustments.”
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Payton’s absence is a major blow for Golden State, particularly on the defensive end, where his energy and versatility have been instrumental off the bench throughout the series.
