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Warriors Deliver Gutsy Performance in Game 3 Victory Over Rockets

Author Information

Ohm Youngmisuk
Published on Apr 27, 2025, 02:44 AM ET
Ohm Youngmisuk has been a prominent sports journalist since 2006, covering the Giants, Jets, and the NFL. Prior to that, he reported on the Nets, Knicks, and the NBA for nearly a decade. A Michigan State University graduate, Ohm joined ESPNNewYork.com after spending almost 12 years at the New York Daily News.
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Introduction

In a thrilling clash on Saturday night at Chase Center, the Golden State Warriors solidified their position in the playoffs with a tight 104-93 win over the Houston Rockets, pushing them to a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Despite the absence of star player Jimmy Butler, the Warriors showcased remarkable teamwork and strategy, demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity.

Key Moments from Game 3

Draymond Green’s strategic steal led to a fast break, culminating in a stunning reverse dunk by Gary Payton II, who capped off an excellent performance with 16 points off the bench. Amid the roaring crowd, Jimmy Butler, attentively watching from the sidelines, witnessed his team’s gritty play unfold.

Payton noted, "We had Jimmy’s back while he was out. Hopefully, we get Jimmy back for Game 4, and we get back to our regular scheduled program." Butler’s injury, a painful pelvic contusion, forced him to miss this pivotal game, but he remains hopeful for a swift recovery ahead of Game 4 on Monday.

A Tactical Shift Without Butler

The omission of Butler necessitated a tactical shift for the Warriors, prompting head coach Steve Kerr to start Jonathan Kuminga and Quinten Post. The game initially posed challenges, with the Rockets quickly establishing a 13-point lead by the second quarter. However, the Warriors adapted, especially through the efforts of Stephen Curry, who exhibited remarkable skill.

Curry scored a staggering 25 of his game-high 36 points during crucial stretches of the second and third quarters. His ability to remain composed under pressure helped the Warriors balance their scoring, ultimately allowing them to enter the fourth quarter with a narrow lead of 71-69.

Steve Kerr praised Curry’s performance: "He’s one of the greatest players of all time… To play 41 minutes against that kind of defense, to have a slow start and then find his rhythm is something we’ve seen him do countless times."

Supporting Cast Shines

Even with Butler out, the Warriors received critical contributions from players like Buddy Hield, who hit five 3-pointers for a total of 17 points. In the clutch moments of the fourth quarter, Payton emerged as a vital asset, scoring nine consecutive points and facilitating crucial plays for Curry, including a timely assist for a 3-pointer that pushed the Warriors to a commanding 95-86 lead.

The statistics reveal that Curry faced double teams on 27 occasions during Game 3. Despite this, the Warriors averaged 1.22 points per play against those double teams, highlighting their favorable offensive efficiency under pressure.

Rockets’ Reaction and Future Outlook

Following the game, Rockets’ point guard Fred VanVleet reflected on Butler’s absence, stating, "You can’t play that game of who is playing; every chance you don’t win is a missed opportunity." He acknowledged that Butler adds a critical dimension to the Warriors’ game.

Jalen Green’s frustration was palpable after the game, culminating in an altercation with Draymond Green. Green downplayed the incident, emphasizing the game’s conclusion. "Just talking," Green stated, attributing their struggle to Curry’s exceptional performance.

Post-Game Highlights

In an engaging twist on social media, Butler posted an image of the Bat signal adapting it to depict Curry’s Under Armour logo, likening him to Batman while playfully identifying himself as Robin. Butler humorously remarked, "Thanks, Batman and team, excluding Buddy," showcasing the friendly banter that often characterizes team dynamics.

Curry expressed gratitude for Butler’s support, affirming the importance of strong performances from the entire team. "I just know that I need to play at a high level for us to win," he stated, underscoring the collective effort required for success in the postseason.

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Contributions from ESPN’s Michael C. Wright add depth to this report, highlighting the stakes as the playoff series progresses.

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