Rockets' most embarrassing stat explains Game 7 loss to Warriors
Houston Rockets experienced a frustrating Game 7 loss to the Golden State Warriors, highlighted by a dismal shooting performance. The team, excluding Amen Thompson, managed to hit only 5 out of 20 layup attempts, a stat that proved pivotal in their defeat. Despite their efforts to recover from a 3-1 series deficit, the Rockets were unable to capitalize when it mattered most. Contributing to their downfall was an impressive performance from Buddy Hield and a strong second half from Steph Curry. Ultimately, the combination of poor shooting and the Warriors' resurgence sealed Houston's fate in the series finale.
The Houston Rockets struggled significantly in Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors, particularly with their layup shooting, where they succeeded in only 5 out of 20 attempts excluding Amen Thompson.
A shooting performance hitting just 25% of layups is a critical shortcoming, especially in a deciding game, and indicates why the Rockets were unable to secure a victory.
Despite their valiant comeback from a 3-1 series deficit to force a Game 7, the Rockets failed to maintain momentum and capitalize on opportunities during the game.
Buddy Hield played a crucial role in the Warriors' success by breaking records and delivering a standout performance that further challenged the Rockets' defense.
Steph Curry's awakening in the second half of the game compounded the Rockets' difficulties, as his contribution was instrumental in steering the Warriors to victory.
The Rockets' inability to execute fundamental plays and the opposition's strong performances ultimately led to their elimination from the series.
Billy Heyen, the writer, emphasizes the disappointment for the Rockets, noting that their elimination came despite having done much right to get to that decisive game.
You won't believe this stat.
It's truly embarrassing for the Houston Rockets. And in a Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors, not a great time for this to happen.
Amen Thompson is excluded from the embarrassment, but no one else.
Here it is:
Non-Amen Thompson Rockets shot 5-for-20 on layups tonight.
— Keerthika Uthayakumar (@keerthikau) May 5, 2025
Oof.
That's brutal.
Even a 50 percent rate on layups would be below average.
But to make only a quarter?
That's not a game Houston deserved to win.
MORE: Buddy Hield breaks Steph Curry's Game 7 record
When you add in the fact that Buddy Hield went bananas and Steph Curry woke up in the second half, it wasn't meant to be for the Rockets.
It's too bad, because they did so much right to come back in the series from 3-1 down to force a Game 7.
But in the finale, everything that could go wrong did go wrong, and it meant Houston was heading home.