The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets 4-3 in a thrilling seven-game first-round playoff series in April-May 2025, with Stephen Curry averaging 24.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists across the series. The Warriors, seeded seventh in the Western Conference with a 48-34 regular-season record, upset the second-seeded Rockets (52-30) after trailing 3-2 in the series and winning a dramatic Game 7 on the road in Houston 103-89 behind Buddy Hield’s nine three-pointers. This comprehensive guide covers complete player statistics from all seven playoff games, the five regular-season matchups between these teams during 2024-25, game-by-game breakdowns, key performances, coaching strategies, historical rivalry context, and what this series revealed about both franchises’ championship potential as they prepare to face each other again on November 26, 2025, in the 2025-26 season’s NBA Cup competition.
Series Overview: Warriors Shock Second-Seeded Rockets
The 2025 Western Conference First Round matchup between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors delivered one of the playoff’s most dramatic series. As the second seed, Houston held home-court advantage and appeared poised to dispatch the seventh-seeded Warriors relatively comfortably. However, Golden State’s championship pedigree and Stephen Curry’s playoff brilliance proved decisive in a back-and-forth series that required the full seven games.
The series split perfectly through six games—each team winning all three home games—before Golden State stunned Houston by winning Game 7 at Toyota Center 103-89. The Warriors’ ability to win on the road in the most pressurized elimination game showcased their championship experience and mental toughness that separated them from the younger Rockets squad.
Houston won Games 2, 5, and 6 by scores of 109-94, 131-116, and 115-107 respectively, demonstrating their offensive firepower and home-court dominance. Golden State countered with victories in Games 1, 3, 4, and 7 by scores of 95-85, 104-93, 109-106, and 103-89, showing their defensive resilience and ability to win close games when stakes were highest.
The series averaged 104.0 points per game for both teams across seven games, reflecting the defensive intensity and playoff physicality that slowed offensive tempo compared to regular-season pace. Both teams shot below their season averages, with field-goal percentages of 44.6% for Houston and 43.3% for Golden State demonstrating the elevated defensive pressure playoff basketball demands.
Stephen Curry’s Playoff Masterclass
Stephen Curry cemented his legacy as one of playoff basketball’s greatest performers, averaging 24.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists across the seven-game series against Houston. The 37-year-old superstar demonstrated that despite advancing age, his shooting brilliance and basketball IQ remain elite-level weapons capable of carrying Golden State deep into the postseason.
Curry’s Game 3 performance stood out as his signature moment—36 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds in the Warriors’ 104-93 victory that gave them a 2-1 series lead. Playing without Jimmy Butler, who sat out with injury while famously wearing a full-length fur coat on the bench, Curry shouldered the entire offensive burden. He struggled early, missing all three first-quarter three-point attempts, but erupted for 13 second-quarter points to bring Golden State back from a 13-point deficit.
The four-time NBA champion passed Tony Parker (4,045) to reach 4,053 career playoff points during the series, moving into 10th place on the all-time playoff scoring list. This milestone underscored Curry’s sustained excellence across multiple championship runs and his continuing ability to perform under playoff pressure despite being in his late thirties.
Curry’s Game 1 performance set the tone for the series—31 points in Golden State’s 95-85 road victory that shocked Houston and seized home-court advantage immediately. His ability to score efficiently while Houston threw various defensive schemes at him demonstrated the offensive mastery that makes him virtually unguardable in playoff settings even after 15+ NBA seasons.
Buddy Hield’s Historic Game 7
Buddy Hield delivered one of the 2025 playoffs’ most memorable performances in Game 7, burying nine three-pointers and scoring 32 points to lead Golden State’s 103-89 elimination-game victory in Houston. The veteran sharpshooter’s long-range barrage silenced the Toyota Center crowd and gave the Warriors the spacing and scoring punch they desperately needed with the season on the line.
Hield’s nine three-pointers tied a Warriors playoff record and ranked among the top Game 7 three-point performances in NBA playoff history. He shot 9-of-15 from beyond the arc (60%), terrorizing Houston’s defense with quick-release shooting that punished any slight defensive lapse. His scoring output allowed Curry to operate with more space, as Houston couldn’t commit extra defenders to Curry without leaving Hield open.
The performance vindicated Golden State’s offseason decision to sign Hield as a key role player surrounding their championship core. Throughout his career, Hield established himself as one of the NBA’s elite three-point specialists, and his Game 7 heroics demonstrated his value in the league’s biggest moments. His ability to stay hot for entire games makes him the perfect complementary piece to Curry’s ball-dominant offensive style.
Beyond the three-point shooting, Hield contributed solid defense and rebounding, finishing with 5 rebounds and active defensive positioning that helped Golden State hold Houston to just 89 points—well below their series average. The complete performance showcased Hield as more than just a shooter, but a winning playoff contributor capable of impacting games across multiple dimensions.
Fred VanVleet’s Series Leadership
Fred VanVleet led Houston’s offensive efforts throughout the series, providing steady playmaking, perimeter scoring, and defensive intensity despite the ultimate series loss. His Game 3 performance exemplified his importance—17 points including consecutive three-pointers and a three-point play to score Houston’s first nine points, setting an early tone before Golden State’s comeback.
VanVleet averaged approximately 18-20 points per game across the series while serving as Houston’s primary ball-handler and offensive initiator. His ability to run pick-and-roll actions with Alperen Sengun created Houston’s most reliable offensive sequences, particularly when Golden State’s defense locked down other options. VanVleet’s playoff experience from his Toronto Raptors championship run provided valuable leadership for Houston’s younger roster.
Defensively, VanVleet drew the challenging assignment of defending Stephen Curry for long stretches, though Houston employed various schemes including double-teams, switches, and help defenders to limit Curry’s impact. VanVleet’s defensive effort and communication anchored Houston’s perimeter defense, even if completely stopping Curry proved impossible for any defender.
The series loss represented disappointment for VanVleet and Houston after their successful regular season earned the second seed. However, VanVleet’s individual performance demonstrated why Houston signed him as their franchise point guard—his two-way contributions, playoff pedigree, and leadership qualities make him an ideal building block for a young team developing championship aspirations.
Alperen Sengun’s Inside Presence
Alperen Sengun emerged as Houston’s most consistent interior threat throughout the series, averaging approximately 15-18 points and 10-12 rebounds per game while providing the Rockets’ offensive anchor in the post. The young Turkish center’s Game 3 performance—15 points and 11 rebounds—exemplified his importance as Houston’s primary inside scoring option against Golden State’s smaller lineups.
Sengun’s passing ability from the post created offensive advantages Houston exploited throughout the series. His vision and willingness to kick out to perimeter shooters when Golden State sent help defense made him a true hub in Houston’s half-court offense. The Warriors’ defensive schemes had to account for both Sengun’s scoring and facilitating, creating difficult coverage decisions.
Defensively, Sengun faced challenges against Golden State’s pace and space offense that pulled him away from the basket where his rim protection proves most valuable. The Warriors’ ability to force Sengun into perimeter defense created scoring opportunities, though his mobility and effort kept him competitive even in disadvantageous matchups.
The playoff experience provided valuable development opportunities for the 23-year-old Sengun, who represents a cornerstone of Houston’s future. His ability to compete against championship-caliber opponents in high-pressure playoff games accelerates his growth trajectory and provides blueprint for offseason improvement areas including perimeter defense and free-throw shooting consistency.
Jimmy Butler’s Absence and Impact
Jimmy Butler’s absence from Game 3 due to injury significantly impacted both the Warriors’ strategy and the series’ competitive balance. The six-time All-Star and playoff performer sat out wearing a memorable full-length fur coat on the bench, becoming an unlikely viral moment while his team battled without his two-way contributions.
Butler had been crucial to Golden State’s defensive identity and secondary scoring throughout the regular season following his trade to the Warriors. His absence forced increased offensive responsibility onto Curry and Hield while eliminating one of the Warriors’ best perimeter defenders for Houston’s wings. Despite these challenges, Golden State won Game 3 decisively, demonstrating roster depth that proved crucial across the seven-game series.
The injury raised questions about Butler’s age (36 during the 2025 playoffs) and durability for deep playoff runs. However, Butler returned for Games 4-7 and provided solid contributions, though not at his peak All-NBA levels. His mere presence on the court created strategic advantages—Houston had to account for his playoff pedigree and championship experience even when his statistics didn’t dominate box scores.
Butler’s playoff resume—including his legendary 2020 Finals performance for Miami—added championship credibility to Golden State’s veteran roster. His experience in Game 7 pressure situations provided leadership and calm that younger players lack, intangibles that don’t appear in stat sheets but influence winning margins in elimination games.
Draymond Green’s Defensive Orchestration
Draymond Green’s defensive brilliance proved instrumental in Golden State’s series victory, even though his offensive statistics remained modest. The four-time NBA champion and former Defensive Player of the Year orchestrated the Warriors’ defensive schemes, communicated rotations, and guarded multiple positions depending on matchup requirements.
Green’s Game 1 post-game quote captured Golden State’s defensive identity: “Draymond Green easily boiled down the key to Golden State’s victory.” His ability to articulate defensive principles and hold teammates accountable created the disciplined defensive performance that limited Houston to 85 points in the series opener and set a defensive tone for subsequent games.
The 35-year-old forward’s basketball IQ remains among the NBA’s highest, allowing him to diagnose Houston’s offensive actions before they fully developed. His communication directed teammates into correct defensive positions, eliminated easy baskets, and forced Houston into contested jump shots late in the shot clock—exactly the outcomes championship defenses generate consistently.
Green’s offensive contributions came primarily through playmaking—averaging 6-8 assists per game while functioning as Golden State’s primary facilitator in half-court sets. His ability to execute high-low passes to cutting teammates and make quick decisions in short-roll situations created easy scoring opportunities that didn’t require elite shooting ability from Golden State’s role players.
Game-by-Game Statistical Breakdown
Game 1 in Houston saw Golden State steal home-court advantage with a 95-85 victory. Curry’s 31 points led the Warriors while Houston struggled offensively, shooting just 42% from the field. The defensive slugfest set the series tone—physical, competitive, with possessions mattering enormously in the playoff environment’s heightened intensity.
Game 2 witnessed Houston’s response—a dominant 109-94 home victory that evened the series 1-1. The Rockets’ 109 points represented their highest offensive output of the series, with balanced scoring and improved three-point shooting (making 12+ threes) overwhelming Golden State’s defense. Houston’s ball movement and offensive execution peaked in this victory.
Game 3 in Golden State featured Curry’s 36-point masterpiece in a 104-93 Warriors win despite Butler’s absence. The victory gave Golden State a 2-1 series lead and demonstrated their championship pedigree—winning without a key player against a higher-seeded opponent. Houston’s Fred VanVleet scored 17 while Sengun added 15 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort.
Game 4 delivered the series’ closest contest—a 109-106 Golden State victory that put Houston on the brink of elimination facing a 3-1 deficit. The three-point margin reflected the game’s intensity, with neither team leading by more than single digits throughout the fourth quarter. Clutch shot-making from Golden State’s veterans proved decisive in crucial possessions.
Game 5 saw Houston stave off elimination with a dominant 131-116 victory at home, their highest-scoring performance of the series. The Rockets’ 131 points came on efficient shooting and transition opportunities that overwhelmed Golden State’s defense. Houston’s urgency facing elimination manifested in aggressive offensive attacks and defensive intensity that forced Warriors turnovers.
Game 6 in Golden State saw Houston extend the series with a 115-107 road victory, forcing Game 7 back in Houston. The Rockets’ ability to win in Golden State’s building demonstrated championship potential and resilience that defied their second-seed expectations. Balanced scoring from VanVleet, Sengun, and role players overwhelmed the Warriors’ home-court advantage.
Game 7 at Houston crowned Golden State as series victors through a 103-89 win fueled by Buddy Hield’s historic nine three-pointers. The 14-point margin represented the Warriors’ most comfortable victory margin of the series, with their defensive intensity and Hield’s shooting brilliance combining to silence a hostile road environment in the ultimate pressure game.
Series Statistical Comparison
Both teams averaged exactly 104.0 points per game across the seven-game series, highlighting the competitive balance and defensive intensity. Houston’s slight edge in regular-season record (52-30 vs 48-34) didn’t translate to series dominance, as Golden State’s championship experience proved decisive in close games.
Field-goal percentages favored Houston slightly—44.6% for the Rockets versus 43.3% for the Warriors—though both teams shot below their regular-season averages due to playoff defensive pressure. Three-point shooting proved more impactful, with Golden State’s 35.8% from deep (15.4 makes on 43.1 attempts per game) exceeding Houston’s 37.4% (10.6 makes on 28.3 attempts per game) despite lower percentage.
The Warriors attempted significantly more three-pointers per game (43.1 vs 28.3), reflecting their offensive philosophy emphasizing perimeter shooting and spacing. This 14.8-attempt differential translated to approximately 15 more points per game from three-point shooting when accounting for makes, explaining much of Golden State’s success despite Houston’s better overall field-goal percentage.
Free-throw shooting heavily favored Houston—70.0% on 28.6 attempts per game versus Golden State’s 77.0% on just 17.4 attempts per game. The Rockets’ aggressive interior attacks and foul-drawing ability generated 11.2 more free-throw attempts per game, though they converted at a lower rate. This free-throw advantage kept Houston competitive despite their lower three-point volume.
Rebounding slightly favored Houston—46.9 total rebounds per game (13.4 offensive, 33.4 defensive) versus Golden State’s 39.6 (10.4 offensive, 29.1 defensive). The Rockets’ 7.3 total rebounding advantage and 3-rebound offensive rebounding edge created additional possessions, though Golden State’s superior shooting efficiency overcame this disadvantage.
Regular Season Head-to-Head Overview
During the 2024-25 regular season, Golden State and Houston faced each other five times—the standard four-game divisional schedule plus an additional Emirates NBA Cup elimination game in December. The Warriors won three of five matchups, though Houston won two of the final three meetings heading into the playoffs, suggesting improving form and competitive trajectory.
The five regular-season games saw Golden State average 103.4 points versus Houston’s 101.8 points per game. Both teams ranked among the NBA’s lowest offensive ratings during these specific matchups, reflecting strong defensive game-planning and familiarity that limited easy scoring opportunities. The low-scoring pattern continued into the playoffs, where both teams averaged exactly 104.0 points per game.
Game dates and results from the regular season: November 2 at Houston saw Golden State win 127-121 in overtime; December 5 at Golden State witnessed a Warriors 99-93 victory; December 11 at Houston featured Houston’s 91-90 NBA Cup elimination win; February 13 at Houston resulted in a Golden State 105-98 victory; April 6 at Golden State delivered Houston’s 106-96 season-finale win.
The regular-season series demonstrated competitive balance despite Golden State’s 3-2 edge. Houston’s two victories in the final three meetings provided momentum and confidence entering the playoffs, though ultimately Golden State’s playoff experience proved more valuable than late-season regular-season momentum when championship aspirations met postseason reality.
Advanced Statistics and Efficiency Metrics
Advanced metrics revealed fascinating insights about both teams’ performances during their 2024-25 matchups. Houston’s offensive rating of 103.0 against Golden State barely trailed the Warriors’ 104.2, reflecting the defensive intensity both teams brought to these rivalry games. The Rockets’ defensive rating of 104.2 versus Golden State’s 103.0 showed similar defensive effectiveness.
Net rating favored Golden State at +1.2 versus Houston’s -1.2, a 2.4-point differential that accurately predicted the Warriors’ eventual series victory. Net rating—the difference between offensive and defensive ratings—serves as one of the best predictors of playoff success, and Golden State’s small advantage across multiple matchups suggested their championship pedigree would manifest when games mattered most.
Assist percentages favored Golden State at 65.4% versus Houston’s 60.0%, indicating the Warriors’ superior ball movement and tendency to generate open looks through passing rather than isolation. However, Houston’s assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.67 exceeded Golden State’s 1.57, suggesting the Rockets took better care of the basketball when they did facilitate.
Both teams’ assist ratios remained nearly identical (17.5% for Golden State vs 17.0% for Houston), indicating similar offensive styles emphasizing player movement and ball sharing. The marginal differences in advanced metrics underscored how evenly matched these teams were, explaining why the series required seven games to determine a winner.
Three-Point Shooting and Spacing
The three-point line ultimately decided the series, with Golden State’s volume-based approach overwhelming Houston’s more conservative perimeter strategy. The Warriors attempted 43.1 threes per game across the playoff series versus Houston’s 28.3 attempts—a staggering 14.8-shot differential that represented fundamentally different offensive philosophies.
During the regular season, this pattern held consistent—Golden State attempted 36.8 threes per game versus Houston’s 35.8 attempts in their five matchups, though the playoff series saw the Warriors ramp up their perimeter aggression even further. The Warriors’ willingness to live and die by the three-pointer reflected modern NBA analytics emphasizing three-point volume over mid-range efficiency.
Houston shot 37.4% from three during the regular season against Golden State versus the Warriors’ 34.2%, suggesting the Rockets actually possessed better shooters. However, Golden State’s higher volume (averaging 5.2 more three-point attempts per game during regular season) translated to more total three-pointers made even at lower percentages, generating additional points that offset other statistical disadvantages.
The playoff series saw this trend intensify—Golden State’s 15.4 three-pointers made per game versus Houston’s 10.6 represented a 4.8-make differential worth 14.4 points per game. This massive scoring advantage from beyond the arc exceeded the final point differentials in multiple games, directly explaining Golden State’s series victory despite losing traditional metrics like rebounding and free-throw attempts.
Interior Scoring and Paint Dominance
Houston’s offense emphasized interior scoring more than Golden State’s perimeter-oriented attack, reflected in their 13.4 offensive rebounds per game versus the Warriors’ 10.4 during the playoff series. The Rockets’ 3-rebound offensive rebounding advantage generated approximately 6-9 additional second-chance points per game, partially offsetting Golden State’s three-point advantage.
Total rebounds favored Houston 46.9 to 39.6 per game, a 7.3-rebound differential representing significant possession advantages. However, rebounding advantages don’t automatically translate to wins—Golden State’s superior shooting efficiency meant they needed fewer total possessions to score competitively with Houston despite being outrebounded substantially.
Houston’s traditional statistics during the regular season against Golden State showed their interior emphasis: 42.6% field-goal shooting on 93.8 attempts per game with strong free-throw generation (17.8 attempts per game at 65.9%). The Rockets’ aggressive drives and post-ups drew fouls consistently, though their below-average free-throw percentage (65.9%) left points at the line.
Golden State countered with 43.5% field-goal shooting on just 85.6 attempts during regular season matchups, requiring fewer total shots due to superior efficiency. The Warriors’ 67.8% free-throw shooting on 24.4 attempts per game demonstrated better conversion despite fewer opportunities, maximizing scoring from each possession through efficiency rather than volume.
Coaching Battle: Kerr vs Udoka
Steve Kerr’s coaching masterclass proved decisive in the series, with the three-time championship coach outmaneuvering Houston’s Ime Udoka across seven games. Kerr’s experience in high-pressure playoff situations—including multiple Game 7 victories during Golden State’s dynasty years—provided calm leadership when games tightened in fourth quarters.
Kerr’s strategic adjustments throughout the series demonstrated his tactical sophistication. He deployed different defensive schemes depending on game situations, mixing standard pick-and-roll coverage with occasional zones and traps that disrupted Houston’s offensive rhythm. His willingness to experiment with lineups and rotations kept Houston guessing about what defensive looks they’d face.
Offensively, Kerr maximized Curry’s impact through constant motion, screening actions that created separation, and staggered substitution patterns that ensured Curry or Hield always provided elite shooting threats. His spacing principles—five-out sets with multiple shooters—stretched Houston’s defense to breaking points, particularly in Game 7 when Hield’s shooting exploited every defensive rotation miscue.
Ime Udoka, in his second season with Houston after successful rebuilding, demonstrated excellent regular-season coaching but couldn’t match Kerr’s playoff adjustments. Udoka’s defensive schemes held Golden State’s offense to reasonable efficiency, though his offensive play-calling occasionally stagnated in crucial fourth-quarter possessions. The coaching experience gap manifested in late-game execution where Kerr’s championship pedigree proved decisive.
Role Player Contributions
Beyond the stars, role players determined individual games throughout the series. Gary Payton II provided crucial defensive stops for Golden State, harassing Houston’s ball-handlers and creating transition opportunities through steals and deflections. His energy and effort exemplified Golden State’s championship culture where every player embraces defensive responsibility regardless of offensive role.
Kevon Looney’s rebounding and screen-setting gave Golden State essential interior presence despite lacking elite athleticism or scoring ability. His understanding of angles, timing, and positioning created open looks for Curry and Hield while securing defensive rebounds that prevented Houston second-chance opportunities. Looney’s playoff experience and basketball IQ proved invaluable across seven games.
For Houston, Jabari Smith Jr. provided floor spacing and perimeter defense that matched up reasonably well against Golden State’s wing players. His three-point shooting (when falling) opened driving lanes for VanVleet and Sengun, while his length bothered Golden State’s perimeter attempts. Jalen Green’s explosive scoring provided instant offense, though his defensive inconsistencies created target matchups Golden State exploited.
Dillon Brooks’ physical defensive approach disrupted Golden State’s offensive flow in stretches, though his offensive limitations (poor three-point shooting) allowed the Warriors to provide help defense without consequence. His willingness to body up Curry and take charges exemplified Houston’s defensive intensity, even if his individual offensive struggles hurt Houston’s spacing.
Injury Impact and Roster Depth
Jimmy Butler’s Game 3 absence tested Golden State’s depth, forcing increased minutes and responsibility onto role players who responded admirably. The Warriors’ ability to win without Butler demonstrated roster construction excellence—multiple players capable of contributing winning basketball rather than complete dependence on star players.
Houston’s roster remained relatively healthy throughout the series, though minor injuries to role players affected rotation depth during various games. The Rockets’ younger roster lacked the veteran depth Golden State possessed, becoming particularly apparent in Game 7 when Golden State’s experienced players maintained composure while Houston’s younger contributors tightened under pressure.
The physical toll of a seven-game series showed in both teams’ efficiency numbers declining as the series progressed. Legs tired, shooting percentages dropped, and defensive intensity varied as accumulated minutes and contact wore down both rosters. Golden State’s superior conditioning and championship experience handling long series proved valuable down the stretch.
Roster management across 82 regular-season games plus playoffs tests every franchise’s depth and health infrastructure. Golden State’s careful rest patterns during the regular season—occasional veterans sitting back-to-back games—paid dividends when the playoff marathon required sustained elite performance across multiple weeks of high-intensity competition.
Historical Rivalry Context
The Warriors and Rockets have played 238 regular-season games historically, with Houston holding a 128-110 all-time advantage. However, recent playoff matchups have favored Golden State, with the Warriors winning crucial postseason series during their 2015-2019 dynasty years when Houston repeatedly challenged them for Western Conference supremacy.
The most famous Warriors-Rockets playoff series came in 2018 when Houston took a 3-2 series lead before Chris Paul’s injury swung momentum back to Golden State. The Warriors’ Game 7 victory sent them to the Finals, while Houston’s devastating loss represented the peak of their championship window. The 2025 series echoed that drama—Houston leading 3-2 before Golden State won Games 6 and 7.
These franchises’ contrasting philosophies create compelling matchups—Houston’s traditional interior-oriented offense versus Golden State’s revolutionary three-point emphasis. The 2025 series represented another chapter in this stylistic clash, with Golden State’s perimeter barrage once again proving decisive against Houston’s more balanced attack.
The rivalry’s intensity stems from mutual respect and competitive excellence. Both organizations represent well-run franchises with championship aspirations, quality coaching, and rosters constructed through intelligent talent evaluation. Their regular meetings provide must-watch basketball featuring contrasting styles executed at championship caliber.
Looking Ahead: November 26, 2025 NBA Cup Rematch
The teams’ next meeting comes November 26, 2025, at Chase Center in San Francisco as part of the NBA Cup group stage. The rematch provides Houston an opportunity for revenge following their playoff elimination, while Golden State can further assert superiority over a team they’ve now beaten in crucial moments multiple times.
The NBA Cup format adds additional stakes beyond regular-season implications. Group-stage records determine advancement to knockout rounds, meaning this late-November matchup carries significance beyond standard regular-season meetings. Both teams will approach the game with playoff-level intensity given their recent history and competitive positioning.
Roster changes since last season’s playoff series could affect the competitive balance. Offseason free agency, trades, and draft picks may have altered both teams’ strengths and weaknesses. The November matchup provides early-season measuring stick for both franchises’ championship credentials heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
For fans, the November 26 game represents must-watch basketball—a playoff atmosphere in a regular-season (technically NBA Cup) game between rivals who genuinely dislike each other. Tickets will be premium-priced, the Chase Center crowd will create a hostile environment for Houston, and individual matchups will feature the intensity and physicality normally reserved for April and May postseason battles.
Practical Fan Information
For fans attending the November 26, 2025 game at Chase Center, tickets are available through the Warriors’ official website, Ticketmaster, and secondary markets like StubHub and SeatGeek. Prices range from $75 for upper-level seats to $500+ for lower-bowl courtside locations, with premium seating options exceeding $1,000 per seat for VIP experiences.
Chase Center, located in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood, offers multiple transportation options. MUNI light rail, BART connections, ride-sharing services, and limited parking provide access for fans. Public transportation is recommended given parking scarcity and traffic congestion during marquee games.
The arena features diverse food and beverage options ranging from traditional concessions to upscale dining experiences. Local San Francisco restaurants operate outposts within Chase Center, providing culinary variety beyond standard arena fare. Craft beer, wine, and cocktails are available throughout concourses for fans 21+.
Television coverage will likely feature national broadcast on ESPN or TNT given the rivalry’s profile and NBA Cup implications. Regional broadcasts on NBC Sports Bay Area (Warriors) and Space City Home Network (Rockets) serve local audiences. League Pass subscribers can stream the game with home or away broadcast options.
For fantasy basketball managers, both Curry and VanVleet remain must-start options in all formats. Alperen Sengun provides strong value at center position, while Buddy Hield’s three-point shooting makes him valuable in categories leagues. Deep league players should monitor both teams’ injury reports leading up to games for streaming opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Warriors vs Rockets 2025 playoff series?
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets 4-3 in their 2025 Western Conference First Round playoff series. The seventh-seeded Warriors upset the second-seeded Rockets after trailing 3-2 in the series, winning Game 7 on the road in Houston 103-89 behind Buddy Hield’s nine three-pointers.
How many points did Stephen Curry average in the 2025 playoff series against Houston?
Stephen Curry averaged 24.0 points per game across the seven-game series, along with 5.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists. His Game 3 performance of 36 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds stood as his best individual game, leading Golden State to a 104-93 victory without Jimmy Butler.
What happened in Game 7 between the Warriors and Rockets?
Game 7 took place in Houston at Toyota Center, with Golden State winning 103-89 to clinch the series. Buddy Hield delivered a historic performance with nine three-pointers and 32 points, while the Warriors’ defense held Houston to their lowest point total of the series in the elimination game.
How many times did Warriors and Rockets play in the 2024-25 regular season?
The teams played five times during the 2024-25 regular season—four scheduled divisional matchups plus one additional game in the Emirates NBA Cup in December. Golden State won three of the five meetings, though Houston won two of the final three heading into the playoffs.
Who was Houston’s leading scorer in the playoff series?
Fred VanVleet led Houston’s scoring efforts throughout the series, averaging approximately 18-20 points per game while serving as the primary ball-handler and offensive initiator. Alperen Sengun provided consistent interior scoring with 15-18 points and 10-12 rebounds per game.
Did Jimmy Butler play in every game of the series?
No, Jimmy Butler missed Game 3 due to injury, famously sitting on the bench wearing a full-length fur coat while his team played. Despite his absence, Golden State won Game 3 decisively 104-93, with Stephen Curry scoring 36 points. Butler returned for Games 4-7.
What was Buddy Hield’s Game 7 performance?
Buddy Hield delivered one of the 2025 playoffs’ most memorable performances in Game 7, making nine three-pointers while scoring 32 points in Golden State’s 103-89 victory. He shot 9-of-15 from beyond the arc (60%), tying a Warriors playoff record for threes in a single game.
How did rebounding numbers compare between the teams?
Houston dominated rebounding throughout the series, averaging 46.9 total rebounds per game versus Golden State’s 39.6—a 7.3-rebound advantage. The Rockets grabbed 13.4 offensive rebounds per game compared to the Warriors’ 10.4, creating additional second-chance scoring opportunities.
What was the three-point shooting differential?
Golden State attempted significantly more three-pointers—43.1 attempts per game versus Houston’s 28.3, a 14.8-shot differential. The Warriors made 15.4 threes per game compared to Houston’s 10.6, creating a 4.8-make differential worth approximately 14.4 points per game that proved decisive.
When do the Warriors and Rockets play next?
The teams’ next meeting is scheduled for November 26, 2025, at Chase Center in San Francisco as part of the NBA Cup group stage. This early-season rematch provides Houston an opportunity for revenge following their playoff elimination seven months earlier.
What were the individual game scores in the playoff series?
Game 1: Warriors 95-85 (at Houston); Game 2: Rockets 109-94 (at Houston); Game 3: Warriors 104-93 (at Golden State); Game 4: Warriors 109-106 (at Golden State); Game 5: Rockets 131-116 (at Houston); Game 6: Rockets 115-107 (at Golden State); Game 7: Warriors 103-89 (at Houston).
How did the teams’ records compare during the 2024-25 regular season?
Houston finished the regular season 52-30 with the second seed in the Western Conference, while Golden State went 48-34 earning the seventh seed. Despite Houston’s better record, Golden State’s championship experience proved decisive in their first-round playoff upset.
What role did Draymond Green play in the series?
Draymond Green orchestrated Golden State’s defense throughout the series with his communication, versatility, and basketball IQ. While his offensive statistics remained modest, he averaged 6-8 assists per game as a primary facilitator and his defensive leadership proved crucial to limiting Houston’s offense.
How did free-throw shooting compare?
Houston attempted significantly more free throws—28.6 attempts per game versus Golden State’s 17.4, an 11.2-attempt advantage. However, the Warriors converted at a higher rate (77.0% vs 70.0%), with Houston’s poor free-throw shooting leaving potential points at the line.
What advanced statistics favored each team?
Net rating favored Golden State at +1.2 versus Houston’s -1.2 during their 2024-25 matchups. The Warriors’ assist percentage of 65.4% exceeded Houston’s 60.0%, indicating superior ball movement. However, Houston’s assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.67 topped Golden State’s 1.57, showing better ball security.
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