The Golden State Warriors will face the Houston Rockets in a decisive Game 7 tonight at the Toyota Center. They enter the game after two straight losses. Although they found good form in Games 3 and 4, the Rockets bounced back with strong performances. Now, Steve Kerrās team carries heavy criticism. Many question his decisions on roster management.
Even in the defeats, Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler kept the Warriorsā offense alive. However, this offensive effort exposed deeper issues. Butler no longer helps Draymond Green maintain defensive balance as he is contributing the offense. That shift created problems for the teamās structure. Meanwhile, Brandin Podziemski failed to make an impact in both defense and organization.
Still, the Warriors are not out yet. Steve Kerr has a chance to turn things around. He must make key defensive adjustments to stay in the 2024-25 NBA playoffs. For that, the bench players must step up and deliver. The series remains wide open, so every detail could matter. Letās take a closer look at the possible scenarios ahead of tonightās Game 7.
What happens if the Warriors beat the Houston Rockets?
If the Warriors beat the Rockets, they will reach the conference semifinals of the 2024-25 NBA playoffs. This outcome would mirror their 2022ā23 season, when they also needed seven games to get through the first round. That year, they advanced past the Kings and then faced the Lakers. This time, though, the matchup would be different. They would go up against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Golden State has reason for confidence as they already defeated them four times in a row this season.
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets
Still, it does not guarantee anything as the Timberwolves have shown clear improvement in their style of play. They no longer rely solely on Anthony Edwards. Instead, they have built a more balanced offense with Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert contributing when needed. That change makes them harder to stop, especially for a Warriors defense that lacks consistency.
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What happens if the Warriors and the Houston Rockets tie in Game 7?
If the Warriors and Rockets remain tied after four quarters, the game goes to overtime to decide the winner. In overtime, physical endurance often makes the difference. The Rockets rely on that strength, which could give them an edge.
Therefore, their physical power might be key in a tight finish. Also, it would be the first overtime of the series. That adds pressure and excitement to an already intense matchup. Considering what both teams are fighting for, overtime seems like a real possibility.
What happens if the Warriors lose against the Rockets?
If Golden State loses to the Houston Rockets, the Warriors will be out of the 2024-25 NBA playoffs. That would mean a second straight year without reaching the second round. Meanwhile, the Rockets would confirm what they showed during the regular season: a team built to compete for the championship, especially because of their defensive strength.
The victory would also snap a four-year drought without advancing past the first round, underscoring the growth of their franchise. Knocking out a team led by superstars like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler would send a strong message, as the Rockets continue their quest to end a 30-year championship drought.
