The Golden State Warriors clinched a dramatic Game 7 victory over the Houston Rockets, winning 103-89 and proving that even a No. 7 seed can rain threes with a splash and surprise in the playoffs.

In a game where the Warriors rained down an astonishing 54 points from beyond the arc, they showcased their shooting prowess and resilience, with Buddy Hield's stellar performance leading the charge. After their remarkable upset, the Warriors became just the seventh No. 7 seed to advance to the semifinals, leaving the Rockets to ponder their latest playoff exit—now a disappointing five times and counting.

Hield proved that sometimes one bright spot can outshine an entire lineup, as he scored a jaw-dropping 33 points. Notably, he made 9 of 11 three-pointers, causing fans to wonder if he had temporarily borrowed Stephen Curry’s shooting wrist or perhaps a magical pair of sneakers. His 22 points in the first half laid the groundwork for what looked like a promising evening for the Golden State faithful that was only interrupted by a few confused glances at Jalen Green’s 8-point contribution.

While Hield was lighting up the scoreboard, Curry quietly engineered a comeback for the Warriors in the fourth quarter. His 22 points, 14 of which came in that crucial final period, remind us all that every team has its fourth-quarter hero. With the game still hanging in balance, Curry's ability to pull off the impossible shot became a narration for bedtime stories for aspiring basketball stars everywhere. Forget the fairy tales of old; in modern lore, it’s all about shooting threes.

The Warriors jumped out to a 12-point lead in the first half and maintained the intensity, not letting up on their offensive outburst. The Rockets, on the other hand, seemed to take their cues from Jalen Green, who bafflingly decided that scoring was optional for his playoff aspirations this time around. Hield's reliable shooting could hardly make up for Green's struggle, as the Warriors continued to build on their lead, seemingly with each swish of the net.

The perimeter game was not just a trend; it was a doctrine for the Warriors. With a remarkable 54-point differential in three-pointers between the two teams, it appeared that the Warriors had turned the final quarter into a shooting clinic. This number is also a polite way of saying that the Rockets should probably spend less time practicing slam dunks and more time mastering the arc. After all, you can’t win games when your opponents score more than twice as many points from three-point territory.

Thompson may cringe at the sight of the Warriors celebrating, as he led the Rockets with just 24 points in what can best be described as the ultimate consolation prize. His efforts, while commendable, were sandwiched between Hield’s onslaught and a passionate rebound game by the Warriors, which served as a gentle reminder that being a No. 7 seed isn't just a badge of mediocrity but a platform for unexpected triumph.

As the Warriors gear up to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals, they are armed not just with the momentum of last night’s win but also with a shared experience of being counted out too soon. The 12-0 run in the fourth quarter may have reassured even the most skeptical Warriors fans that it’s impossible to count them out—unless you've already bet your life savings against them, in which case, you may want to reconsider your choices.

The post-game reactions tell a different story altogether, though. Warriors fans celebrated as if they’d just won the lottery, while Rockets supporters sighed in resignation, already drafting the 'We’ll Get Them Next Year' email. It’s rough, being the fifth elimination for the Rockets, but let’s not forget that hope is eternal. Perhaps next time they’ll consider hiring a professional point guard or at least invest in a few more three-point drills.

In conclusion, this Game 7 wasn’t just a catalyst for the Warriors’ journey forward; it served as both a celebration of the underdog and a clarion call for the Rockets fanbase to think about their lives and recalibrate expectations. One can only hope that in the future, the Rockets come equipped with more artillery—and perhaps a magic shoe or two—before facing off with this relentless Warriors team again.