Just five days ago, the Golden State Warriors seemed poised to advance comfortably to the next round of the NBA playoffs. Following a thrilling 109-106 victory over the Houston Rockets at the Chase Center, they held a commanding 3-1 lead in the first-round series.
The midseason addition of Jimmy Butler looked to be paying off, adding firepower and leadership to a team already stacked with championship pedigree. At the time, only one win separated the Warriors from advancing, and it appeared inevitable.
Warriors Collapse Looms as Rockets Rally, Curry Urges Focus Before Game 7 Showdown
Since that pivotal win, the tide has turned dramatically. The Houston Rockets have stormed back into the series with back-to-back victories, pushing it to a decisive Game 7. Particularly in Game 5, the Rockets were so dominant that Warriors head coach Steve Kerr benched his starters midway through the third quarter, signaling a game that had slipped far out of reach. Now, Golden State finds itself facing uncomfortable comparisons to their infamous 2016 Finals collapse, when they let a 3-1 lead slip away against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Warriors Face Game 7 Pressure After Blowing 3-1 Lead, Curry and Butler Rally for RedemptionWarriors star Steph Curry addressed the gravity of the situation ahead of Game 7. Speaking candidly after Friday’s loss, Curry warned that a lack of focus could spell the end of their playoff run. “If you don’t show up with that appropriate mentality, then you’ve got a long vacation ahead of you,” he said, underscoring the team’s determination to keep their season alive. The Warriors are preparing not just for a game in Texas, but with hopes of moving on to Minnesota for the semifinals.
Belief vs. Breakdown: Butler’s Confidence Meets Warriors’ Crucial Test
Despite the recent setbacks, Jimmy Butler expressed strong optimism about the Warriors’ chances in the upcoming Game 7. Butler, who has experience in pressure-filled matchups, emphasized that the team’s belief in itself remains intact. “It’s not wavering. We know how good of a team we are,” he said. His leadership and poise could be a critical factor in helping Golden State rebound after two demoralizing losses.
Everything now hinges on Sunday’s Game 7 showdown. The winner will move on to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Semifinals. For Curry and the Warriors, it’s a chance to keep their championship hopes alive and avoid another historic collapse. A loss, however, would reignite questions about their ability to close out playoff series, casting a shadow over the team’s postseason narrative until next year.
