San Francisco, Calif. – The Golden State Warriors delivered a resounding performance in Game 3 of their playoff series against the Houston Rockets, clinching a 104-93 victory at Chase Center on Saturday night. With star player Jimmy Butler sidelined due to injury, the Warriors showcased their depth and determination, taking a 2-1 lead in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
As the game began, uncertainty loomed over Butler’s participation after he suffered a serious fall in Game 2, leading to a pelvic contusion. Ultimately ruled out, Butler’s absence required the Warriors to adapt their game plan. Gary Payton II stepped up, contributing 16 points off the bench and making a significant impact on both ends of the court.
The first half posed challenges for Golden State as they faced a 13-point deficit at one point, struggling against Houston’s stout defense. However, Stephen Curry took control, scoring 36 points overall. He found his stride during the second and third quarters, amassing 25 points during that stretch, including a remarkable 9 for 13 shooting performance. His ability to elevate his game under pressure kept the Warriors within striking distance as they entered the final quarter trailing, 71-69.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr praised Curry’s resilience, noting his exceptional conditioning and ability to perform against relentless defense. “He’s one of the greatest players of all time,” Kerr said, commending Curry’s high-level execution and minimal turnovers despite facing consistent double-teams.
With Butler absent, the Warriors’ adjustments proved effective, as Buddy Hield also contributed significantly with 17 points, including five three-pointers. In the decisive fourth quarter, Payton capitalized on the defenses’ focus on Curry. He scored nine consecutive points and assisted Curry on a key three-pointer, solidifying Golden State’s lead as they moved ahead 95-86 with just over three minutes to play.
Despite the absence of their star, the Rockets still prepared rigorously, with point guard Fred VanVleet stating that they had no choice but to stay focused and ready. He emphasized that teams must adapt regardless of player availability, indicating that Houston recognized the challenge posed by the Warriors.
On the other side, Houston struggled without the scoring prowess displayed in Game 2. Jalen Green, who scored 38 points in the previous matchup, was held to just nine points, underscoring the effectiveness of Golden State’s defense. Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Dillon Brooks added 13 points but ultimately fouled out in the final moments.
Post-game tensions mirrored the intensity of the matchup, with Green expressing frustration during an exchange with Draymond Green. However, Draymond downplayed the incident, emphasizing that it was just banter in the heat of competition.
In a lighthearted moment, Butler acknowledged Curry’s standout performance through a social media post, humorously referring to him as “Batman” while positioning himself as “Robin.” Curry appreciated the support and expressed hope for Butler’s return in Game 4, affirming the collective need for high-level play.
As the series continues, the Warriors look to carry this momentum into Game 4, with the expectation that Butler may rejoin the lineup, potentially reshaping the dynamics on both sides. The rivalry intensifies as they strive for playoff advancement.