Image Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

‘He Was Sliding, Doing Everything’ – NBA Analyst Praises Warriors’ Steph Curry After Game 7 Defensive Show

Image Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors got a gritty win against the Houston Rockets in game 7 of the first round. The Warriors’ defense locked their opposition down, reducing them to just 89. NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins was impressed with the defensive effort that Golden State carried out, especially Steph Curry on Sunday.

Kendrick Perkins on the Warriors victory said, “They lock down when they want to. Especially Steph Curry, tonight was one of those nights where I would go back to the last championship against the Boston Celtics. In that NBA Finals, he was sliding, doing all the defensive things when he was struggling in that first half. That’s leadership.”

Perkins appreciating Curry and team said, “All of a sudden it was a ripple effect. We saw Podziemski getting dirty. We know what Draymond and Jimmy bring, all of a sudden Buddy Hield comes up with a block. Again the defensive side of things was huge tonight for the Golden State Warriors.”

In the Steph Curry era, the Warriors are now 5-0 in playoff series against the Rockets. They've closed out the last three of those in Houston.

Game 7 in 2018
Game 6 in 2019
Game 7 in 2025
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 5, 2025

Also Read: Stephen Curry’s Playoff Record- What is the Three-Point King’s Win-Loss Record in NBA Playoffs?

With the Warriors vs. Rockets series moving to the 7th game, the Steve Kerr side got quite serious about defense. Especially, shutting down Fred VanVleet who caused them major damage from beyond the arc. The Warriors became more physical with VanVleet and many times even doubled on him to avoid three point shots.

This strategy had a cascading effect as Fred VanVleet scored 17 points from 6-13 FG. As a result, the Houston Rockets lacked on the scoring front. Steph Curry, who started the game slowly picked up his defensive efforts. Curry had more contribution to the defensive end, where his ferocious guarding forced multiple turnovers.

Dillon Brooks, who has been guarding Curry in this series with all kinds of strategies, felt the reverse on Sunday. Curry also stole possessions multiple times, breaking any formation of momentum for the Rockets. Though, on the scoresheet, Steph’s contribution may look little, but with doing little things consistently, Steph led Warriors’ defensive grit.

Buddy Hield Answers Call When It Counts

Buddy Hield, who has been struggling for Golden State throughout the series, finally stepped up on Sunday. He rose to the occasion when other players struggled to make a difference. The forward scored 33 points and had an impressive accuracy with 12-15 FG. From beyond the arc, Hield hit 9-11.

The Warriors had been searching for someone to step up the scoring beyond Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. Hield arrived at the right time, taking advantage of Rockets’ strategy doubling on Curry and Butler. The Warriors will need Buddy Hield to continue in the next series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have a fierce attack.