The Houston Rockets faced a disappointing end to their playoff run against the Golden State Warriors, falling short in a crucial Game 7 with a 103-89 loss. Despite a valiant effort to come back from a 3-1 series deficit and force the final game, the Rockets could not maintain their momentum, playing their worst game when it mattered most.

Coach Ime Udoka expressed disappointment but urged his team to use this setback as motivation for improvement. The Rockets, who secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with 52 regular-season wins, were unable to overcome the determined Warriors, who have now eliminated them from the playoffs for the fifth time.

Stephen Curry’s fourth-quarter performance and Buddy Hield’s record-breaking 3-point shooting propelled the Warriors to victory, overshadowing Fred VanVleet’s efforts for the Rockets. Despite individual struggles, players like Alperen Sengun showcased growth and resilience, hinting at a promising future for the team.

Rookie Jalen Green, criticized for his playoff performance, acknowledged the need for improvement but received support from his teammates, recognizing that setbacks are part of the journey to greatness. As the Rockets reflect on their season, they aim to regroup and come back stronger in the future, building on the lessons learned from this challenging playoff series.