In a thrilling display of resilience and teamwork, the Golden State Warriors managed to secure a crucial 104-93 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, despite the absence of Jimmy Butler. Butler, who suffered a pelvic injury and deep gluteal muscle contusion in Game 2, was a significant loss for the Warriors, but his teammates rose to the occasion.
Stephen Curry was the star of the night, finishing with an impressive 36 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. His performance was a testament to his ability to elevate his game when it matters most. Curry struggled early, missing his first three 3-point attempts, but he found his rhythm and dominated the second half. His 13-point second quarter helped the Warriors close the gap to 49-46 at halftime.
Buddy Hield provided crucial support off the bench, scoring 17 points with five 3-pointers. Gary Payton II also played a pivotal role, scoring 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. Payton’s performance was particularly impactful, as he capitalized on the defensive attention Houston was giving Curry.
The Warriors’ defense was another key factor in their victory. They held the Rockets to just 7 of 21 shooting in the fourth quarter. Draymond Green’s leadership and playmaking were instrumental, especially his clutch steal and assist that led to Payton’s reverse dunk, effectively sealing the win.
Houston’s offense, led by Fred VanVleet with 17 points and Alperen Sengun with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds, could not match the Warriors’ intensity in the second half. The Rockets’ frustration boiled over after the game, with Jalen Green and Draymond Green exchanging heated words.
The Warriors now lead the series 2-1, with Game 4 set for Monday night at Chase Center. The biggest question remains whether Butler can return for the next game. His presence would undoubtedly boost the Warriors’ chances, but Saturday’s victory showed that they can still win without him.
In the end, it was a team effort that carried the Warriors to victory. Curry’s brilliance, combined with the contributions of his teammates, proved that the Warriors have the depth and determination to overcome adversity. As they look ahead to Game 4, the Warriors will need to continue this level of play, whether Butler returns or not.
