Warriors Secure Victory Over Rockets in Game 3 Playoff Showdown

SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry scored a game-high 36 points to lead the Golden State Warriors past the Houston Rockets 104-93 on Saturday night, taking a 2-1 lead in their NBA playoff series. The Warriors managed to win despite being without their star forward Jimmy Butler, who is sidelined with a glute contusion.

In front of an energetic crowd of 18,064 at Chase Center, Curry’s performance was crucial as he also contributed nine assists and seven rebounds. “To play 41 minutes against that kind of defense, to have a slow start and then find his rhythm, he was brilliant,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

With Butler out, the Warriors needed other players to step up, and they did. Gary Payton II scored 16 points off the bench, including nine points during a pivotal stretch. Rookie Quinten Post made his postseason debut, recording a game-high 12 rebounds. “Everyone just stepped up and played for Jimmy,” Curry said. “Hopefully, he’s back soon.”

Houston’s Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 17 points, as the team struggled to maintain their momentum. The Rockets had a brief lead in the fourth quarter but could not keep up with the Warriors’ late-game surge.

Game 4 of the best-of-seven series will take place on Monday night. The Warriors remain hopeful that Butler can return, as they prepare for the challenges ahead. “We need Jimmy to do that,” Curry emphasized.