As the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Houston Rockets in their first-round NBA playoff series, the Warriors struggled to find their signature offense. Known for their fast-paced ball movement, cutting, and exceptional passing, the Warriors’ offense was stifled by the Rockets’ tough and physical defense.

One key indicator of the Warriors’ offensive efficiency is their assist total per game. When they exceed 30 assists, it’s a sign that their offense is in rhythm. If they fall between 25 and 29 assists, it’s considered suboptimal but manageable. In Game 1, the Warriors recorded only 20 assists, followed by 22 in Game 2, and just eight assists in the first half of Game 3 on Saturday. Averaging five assists per quarter is far below the Warriors’ usual standards, with their offense putting up only 47 points per half.

However, the second half of Game 3 provided a glimpse of hope. The Warriors finished with 16 assists and 58 points, ultimately securing a 104-93 victory. Did they find a solution to the Rockets’ defense? Perhaps.

Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr cautioned against jumping to conclusions, stating, “I never liked the word ‘solve,’ just because every game is different, and you have to adapt to whatever’s happening.” Kerr acknowledged that the Warriors made adjustments, particularly in the fourth quarter, but emphasized that success in one game does not guarantee continued dominance in the next. “Tomorrow could be totally different. You could throw the exact same combination out there and not have success.”

This approach serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of postseason basketball. Coaches and players frequently make adjustments, sometimes even between possessions, as they adapt to the ebb and flow of the game. The Warriors’ adjustments in the second half of Game 3, particularly Stephen Curry’s playmaking and his connection with Gary Payton II, were crucial to their victory.

Curry demonstrated excellent balance between scoring and playmaking, using his gravity to create opportunities for others. His chemistry with Payton was on full display in the fourth quarter, with Curry setting up Payton for two easy layups and a clutch corner three-pointer that gave the Warriors a 90-86 lead with 4:29 remaining. The Rockets could not recover.

“There were some good combinations out there,” Kerr said. “And again, tomorrow could be totally different. You could throw the exact same combination out there and not have success. It’s really about figuring out each game and finding combinations that click.”

The Warriors’ offense, especially their dynamic duo of Curry and Payton, has been highly effective over the years. Payton has learned to play off Curry’s gravity, which makes him a constant threat on the court. Draymond Green praised Payton’s ability to use Curry’s presence to create scoring opportunities: “Any time you can pick up on those things and play great off Steph, it makes the game a lot easier for you.”

With a potential Game 4 win, the No. 7 seed Warriors could take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the second-seeded Rockets, putting them in a strong position to advance in the Western Conference playoffs. However, Kerr’s cautious approach reflects his wealth of experience, both as a player and coach.

Expect Houston to adjust, and it won’t take long to determine if their countermeasures can stifle Golden State’s offense once again. If the Warriors can maintain their offensive flow, they’ll likely continue their postseason push—if not, they’ll be scrambling to find solutions in the next few games.