San Francisco, CA – The Golden State Warriors came up with a crucial 104-93 victory in Game 3 against the Houston Rockets in the NBA Playoffs, taking a 2-1 series lead. With star forward Jimmy Butler sidelined due to a pelvic contusion, it was Stephen Curry who took control of the game, leading the Warriors with a dominant 36-point performance.

Curry Leads the Warriors in a Must-Win Game

Without Butler, who was nursing an injury after a tough fall in Game 2, the Warriors needed someone to step up—and Stephen Curry delivered. After a slow start, Curry took over in the second half, shooting 12-of-23 from the field and 5-of-13 from three-point range. He also added seven rebounds and nine assists, proving once again why he’s one of the best players in the NBA.

With Curry at the helm, the Warriors were able to weather a first-half surge from the Rockets. Despite Houston’s length and defensive prowess, Curry’s offensive brilliance was the difference-maker, leading Golden State to a crucial win and putting them in the driver’s seat as the series shifts to Game 4 on Monday night.

Buddy Hield Provides a Spark for the Warriors

While Curry led the charge, the Warriors also got a significant boost from veteran shooting guard Buddy Hield. Known for his shooting ability, Hield caught fire in the first half, draining key three-pointers that helped the Warriors cut into Houston’s lead. Hield finished with 17 points, contributing five three-pointers and a much-needed offensive spark off the bench.

Hield’s timely shooting allowed Golden State to stay within striking distance, even as the Rockets initially held a comfortable lead. His efforts were especially important with the absence of Butler, who is usually a significant contributor on both ends of the floor.

Rockets’ Struggles on Offense Lead to Their Downfall

The Rockets had their chances, leading for much of the first half and even holding a 13-point advantage at one point. However, Houston’s offensive struggles ultimately proved costly. Despite their defensive strengths, they allowed Curry too much space, which proved detrimental. The Rockets’ half-court offense also faltered, failing to generate consistent scoring opportunities.

Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 17 points, including 13 in the first quarter, while Alperen Sengun added 15 points and 11 rebounds. However, the Rockets’ lack of offensive support left them unable to match the Warriors’ late-game surge.

Warriors Close Strong with 21-9 Run

As the Rockets briefly regained the lead at 84-83 with 5:47 left in the game, the Warriors responded with a 21-9 run to close out the contest. Curry was the driving force behind the run, scoring crucial points and ensuring that Golden State stayed ahead in the final minutes.

With the win, the Warriors now hold a 2-1 series lead, with Game 4 set for Monday night in the Bay Area. If Jimmy Butler returns to the lineup, the Warriors will have a chance to extend their series advantage and potentially put the Rockets in a difficult position.

Rockets’ Playoff Hopes on the Line

The Rockets need to regroup quickly if they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive. Their defense, while solid at times, allowed Curry too much freedom, and their offense will need to be more efficient if they want to even the series in Game 4. Without a strong performance in the next game, Houston risks falling to a 3-1 deficit, a nearly insurmountable hole in the best-of-seven series.

Final Thoughts:

Stephen Curry’s 36-point performance propelled the Warriors to a crucial Game 3 win over the Houston Rockets, putting Golden State one win away from taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. With Curry and Hield leading the charge, the Warriors are well-positioned as they head into Game 4. The Rockets will need a better offensive output to stay alive in this series.