San Francisco, CA – The Golden State Warriors secured an impressive 104-93 victory in Game 3 against the Houston Rockets at Chase Center, propelling them to a 2-1 series lead in the NBA Playoffs. Playing without star forward Jimmy Butler, who was sidelined with a left pelvic contusion, Steph Curry took control and led his team to a thrilling win.
Key Takeaways from Warriors’ Game 3 Victory Over Rockets
The Warriors now have history on their side. In NBA playoff series, the winner of Game 3 in a tied 1-1 matchup has gone on to win the series 74.2% of the time, making this win a crucial step for Golden State’s postseason hopes.
1. Steph Curry Dominates to Propel Warriors to Victory
Steph Curry proved once again why he’s one of the greatest players in NBA history. Despite a slow start, the four-time NBA champion erupted in the second half, finishing with a game-high 36 points on 12-of-23 shooting, including 5-of-13 from three-point range. Curry also contributed seven rebounds and nine assists, showcasing his all-around game.
The Rockets’ defense struggled to contain Curry, especially as he heated up in the second half. After scoring just two points in the first quarter, Curry dropped 15 points by halftime, keeping the Warriors within striking distance. In the third quarter, Curry scored 12 of Golden State’s 23 points, then capped his performance with two more three-pointers and nine additional points in the final frame.
2. Jonathan Kuminga Seizes Opportunity in the Starting Lineup
With Butler unavailable, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made a strategic change to his lineup, inserting Jonathan Kuminga into the starting five. Kuminga’s performance in the regular season against the Rockets had been stellar, averaging 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. However, his Game 3 showing didn’t quite match those expectations.
Kuminga played limited minutes in the first half and struggled with turnovers and missed shots, ultimately finishing with seven points in just 16 minutes of play. His performance raises questions about his future role in the rotation, especially if Butler is healthy for Game 4. Kuminga will need to seize any opportunities he gets to earn Kerr’s trust in the coming games.
3. Buddy Hield Provides Crucial Scoring Off the Bench
One of the unsung heroes of the Warriors’ Game 3 win was Buddy Hield, who had struggled with his shooting in the first two games of the series. However, Hield stepped up when Golden State needed him most, scoring 17 points off the bench and hitting five of his 11 three-point attempts. At halftime, Hield had already contributed 11 points, including a key three-pointer during a 9-0 run with Curry.
Hield’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down critical threes gave the Warriors much-needed scoring support. His performance was a stark contrast to the rest of the Warriors’ bench, as Golden State’s reserves had a much-needed scoring spark from the veteran guard.
4. Warriors’ Defensive Adjustments and Efficient Play
Despite the Rockets’ length causing issues for Golden State throughout the game, the Warriors adapted, finding success in areas like second-chance points, points in the paint, and fast-break opportunities. The Warriors were also disciplined with just 10 turnovers, a critical factor in their ability to control the game and secure the win.
Coach Steve Kerr’s adjustments paid off as Golden State was able to overcome Houston’s size advantage with smarter, more efficient basketball. The Warriors’ defense held strong, limiting the Rockets’ offensive production and allowing Golden State to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
Looking Ahead: Game 4
With a 2-1 series lead, the Warriors now have a chance to take control of the series in Game 4. If Jimmy Butler returns from injury, it could shift the dynamics once again, but with Curry leading the charge and key players like Hield stepping up, Golden State has the momentum. The Warriors’ ability to adapt and thrive in difficult situations could be the key to advancing further in the NBA Playoffs.
Final Thoughts:
The Golden State Warriors’ Game 3 victory over the Houston Rockets was a testament to Steph Curry’s leadership and the team’s resilience. With Curry’s 36-point performance and significant contributions from Buddy Hield and the bench, the Warriors are in a strong position as the NBA playoffs continue. Keep an eye on Golden State as they look to close out the series in Game 4 and make a deep playoff run.
