SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry showcased his elite playoff form as he led the Golden State Warriors to a 104-93 victory over the Houston Rockets, securing a 2-1 lead in their opening-round series. Curry, adjusting to a challenging defensive strategy from Houston, scored a remarkable 36 points to go along with nine assists and seven rebounds. Absentee key player Jimmy Butler, unable to take part due to injury, supported his teammate’s efforts from the sidelines, donning an eye-catching full-length fur coat.
According to coach Steve Kerr, Curry’s performance was nothing short of brilliant: “To play 41 minutes against that kind of defense, to have a slow start and then find his rhythm, which we have seen him do countless times over the years, to hit big shots, to only turn it over twice against that kind of pressure, he was brilliant.”
Buddy Hield was a huge contributor off the bench, netting 17 points and landing five triples. The Warriors maintained their streak, winning their sixth consecutive Game 3 in the opening series. Gary Payton II also added depth in the scoring department, particularly shining in the fourth quarter< with 11 of his 16 points.
Draymond Green acknowledged the collective team effort stating, “To see everyone step up in [Butler’s] absence was huge.” Game 4 of the best-of-seven series is set for Monday night at Chase Center, with the pressing concern of Butler’s potential return hanging overhead. Butler experienced a fall during Game 2 that resulted in a pelvic injury and a significant muscle contusion.
Curry highlighted the team’s unified goal sans Butler: “Hopefully he’s back next game, or if he’s not, we can still play at a high level, we can win a tough, physical playoff game. I think we all know, we’re trying to win 14 more of these. We need Jimmy to do that.”
Houston’s Fred VanVleet tried to spark a match for his team, scoring the initial nine points and totaling 17 by the end, while Alperen Sengun contributed with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Despite Houston’s efforts, the Warriors managed to craft more effective opportunities for Curry, which paid dividends as he surpassed Tony Parker for 10th place in all-time NBA playoff points.
Curry’s performance was pivotal, especially in the second quarter, where his scoring surge helped Golden State close the gap to a 49-46 deficit at halftime, witnessing a turnaround from an earlier 13-point lag. Coach Kerr pointed out, “I thought the key to the game was the way we closed the second quarter.”
On the Rockets’ side, Dillon Brooks found himself fouling out late in the game, a day after engaging in a verbal back-and-forth over the circumstances leading to Butler’s injury. Brooks and the Rockets experienced hostility from the Golden State crowd, further inflamed by an early gathering of fouls that limited Brooks’ presence on the court. As the competition heightens, all eyes shift to the coming game and Butler’s potential contribution.