NBA Playoffs: Two Big Game 7 Matches Ahead Before Second Round Begins
The second round of the NBA playoffs starts on Sunday, but before then, two big Game 7 matches will take place this weekend.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves have already secured their places in the next round after quick wins in their first-round matches. However, the other two Western Conference series are going down to the wire, with Game 7 needed to decide who moves on.
The LA Clippers kept their hopes alive with a 111-105 win over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, forcing a Game 7, which will be played on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. local time. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets, who were 3-1 down in their series, stayed in the competition with a 115-107 victory against the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. They will now face the Warriors again on Sunday at 8:30 p.m., with the winner set to meet the Timberwolves in the next round.
Here’s a look at what both teams need to do to win their Game 7s:
LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets
How can the Clippers win?
In Game 6, the Clippers switched to a smaller lineup in the second half, bringing in Nicolas Batum. This change gave James Harden and Kawhi Leonard more space to play. Even Denver star Nikola Jokic commented on the move, saying Batum is a better shooter and defender than Kris Dunn.
Coach Tyronn Lue had avoided the change earlier due to Dunn’s strong defence, but if Batum can continue to perform well on both ends of the court, the Clippers may have found the right formula.
How can the Nuggets win?
The Nuggets are the bigger, stronger team. When they play physically, they control the game. This starts with Jokic, who needs to attack Clippers’ centre Ivica Zubac and draw more fouls – he only had two free throws in Game 6.
When Jokic is aggressive early on, it opens up the court for others like Jamal Murray, who showed his scoring ability in Game 5.
How did we get here?
Each team has had standout performances – from Russell Westbrook in Game 1 to Harden’s show in Game 6. Both coaches have adjusted their tactics throughout the series, and both teams are feeling the pressure and fatigue. Denver has played the most Game 7s since 2019, and Ty Lue has a great record in must-win matches. Jokic and Leonard are both former Finals MVPs.
“This is the kind of game real basketball fans love,” said Jokic.
Key factor: Fatigue
Denver’s Jamal Murray has played more minutes than any player in the first round. Jokic isn’t far behind. The Clippers are a bit deeper in their squad, but their stars, especially Harden, have played heavy minutes too. Whoever starts strong and manages their energy better may come out on top.
Oklahoma City, who swept Memphis earlier, will be watching closely. They’ll face the winner in the next round.
Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets
How can the Warriors win?
Golden State has the advantage of experience. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have played in five Game 7s each. Coach Steve Kerr has also managed four.
To win, they must break through Houston’s zone defence and get Curry more support. He scored 29 points in Game 6 but struggled in the second half. Golden State needs a third scorer to step up – possibly Podziemski, Hield, or Moody. Draymond Green will also need to be strong defensively, and the team must keep turnovers low and stop Fred VanVleet.
Kerr hinted at changes, saying “everything is on the table” – perhaps even using Jonathan Kuminga more.
How can the Rockets win?
Coach Ime Udoka has emphasised discipline and teamwork. Houston’s physical play and zone defence have troubled the Warriors, even with Curry on the court.
The Rockets need to keep that intensity and continue scoring in the paint and from second-chance points. Their defence often leads to fast breaks, and players like Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green will be key in that.
How did we get here?
Golden State won Game 1 with Curry and Butler leading the way. Houston responded with a big win in Game 2, as Jalen Green scored 38 points. Jimmy Butler missed Game 3 due to injury, and Curry led the Warriors to a win. Butler returned in Game 4 to help take a 3-1 series lead.
But Houston bounced back in Games 5 and 6. In Game 6, the Warriors missed 14 of their first 15 shots in the fourth quarter, and the Rockets went on a 20-5 run to force a final Game 7.
Key factor: Double-big line-ups
Houston has used Steven Adams and Alperen Sengun together to great effect. In the fourth quarter of Game 6, they dominated while on the court together. If they continue to win those matchups, the Rockets have a strong chance of progressing.
Two exciting Game 7s await. Only two teams will move on to face the Thunder and Timberwolves in the next round.
