NBA Thrills: Warriors Stun Rockets, Pacers Upset Cavaliers in Playoff Opener

 NBA Thrills: Warriors Stun Rockets, Pacers Upset Cavaliers in Playoff Opener

The Golden State Warriors clinched a thrilling 103-89 victory against the Houston Rockets in Game 7 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series, advancing to the semi-finals. Stephen Curry, scoring 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, and Buddy Hield, who led with 33 points including nine three-pointers, were instrumental in the win. The Warriors, who had trailed 3-1 in the series, showcased resilience, with Jimmy Butler, a recent trade acquisition, contributing 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Curry highlighted the team’s ability to block out criticism and build chemistry under pressure, setting the stage for a semi-final matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite the Rockets’ strong second-place finish in the Western Conference regular season, they couldn’t overcome the Warriors’ late surge, falling short of becoming the 14th NBA team to recover from a 3-1 deficit in a playoff series. In the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers pulled off an upset, defeating the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 121-112 to take a 1-0 lead in their semi-final series. Andrew Nembhard led with 23 points, while Tyrese Haliburton added 22 points, helping the Pacers overcome their underdog status. The Cavaliers, who swept Miami 4-0 in the first round, faced their first playoff loss this season. Haliburton acknowledged the challenge of facing the conference’s best team but emphasized the momentum gained from the victory. The Pacers aim to maintain their edge as the series progresses, while the Warriors prepare for a tough battle against Minnesota, with both teams proving their playoff mettle in these high-stakes openers.

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