SAN FRANCISCO — Game 3 of the Golden State Warriors’ first-round series with the Houston Rockets on Saturday was nothing short of a slugfest. They took part in a physical battle all night with bodies hitting the floor from the opening tip through the final buzzer.
Missing Jimmy Butler, the Warriors relied on their depth and defense, while the Rockets couldn’t contain Stephen Curry or buy a bucket late in the contest. By night’s end, one team’s poise and a familiar superstar’s brilliance proved to be the difference as Golden State secured a 104-93 victory and a 2-1 series lead.
Another ‘Stephortless’ performance
Curry did that thing where he takes over a game in its most pivotal moments — hitting dagger 3s, converting crafty layups and exploiting any mismatch on a big.
Game 3 was no different. While both teams had their struggles early on, Curry took over in the second half, accounting for 80% of the team’s points in the third quarter (12 points, two assists, four points created from assists) and 61.8% of the team’s points in the fourth quarter (eight points, five assists, 13 points created from assists). Steve Kerr said “he was brilliant,” pouring in 36 points, dishing out nine assists with seven rebounds, and finishing +18 on the night, leading his Warriors to a much-needed victory.
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When asked about Curry’s performance, Kerr said, “I don’t know. Whatever I said these past 11 years, I don’t know. Copy and paste.”
On a night when both teams struggled through sloppy play, Curry broke through in the clutch. The Rockets schemed frequent blitzes and double teams all night, but Curry was able to find the open man and capitalize on the gravity he created. With Butler out, the Warriors needed Curry to be flawless. And like clockwork, he delivered.
Warriors’ defense and role players answer the call
Without Butler, the Warriors leaned into a full-team effort on defense. The Warriors upped their force at the point of attack, holding Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson to 14-of-41 shooting. The Warriors limited Houston to 39.5% shooting as a team with a 19:14 assist-to-turnover ratio. Another component…
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