Warriors Show Grit in Game 3 Victory Over Rockets
In the heart of San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors delivered a performance that will be remembered for its grit and determination. On a Saturday night filled with drama and excitement, Draymond Green made a crucial steal and passed the ball to a streaking Gary Payton II, who finished with a reverse dunk, sealing a Game 3 victory against the Houston Rockets.
The Chase Center erupted in applause, with Jimmy Butler standing and clapping in approval. Despite Butler’s absence, the Golden State Warriors showcased one of their most resilient performances of the season, securing a 104-93 win to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference first-round playoff series.
“We had Jimmy’s back while he was out,” said Payton, who came off the bench to score 16 points. “Hopefully we get Jimmy back for Game 4, and we get back to our regular scheduled program.”
The big question leading into Game 3 was whether Butler would play after suffering a nasty fall in Game 2, resulting in a pelvic and deep gluteal muscle contusion. Butler was ruled out before the game, giving him two more days to recover before Game 4 on Monday. Head coach Steve Kerr mentioned that Butler is day-to-day.
With Butler sidelined, the Warriors adjusted their lineup, starting Jonathan Kuminga and Quinten Post. Initially, the Rockets surged to a 13-point lead in the second quarter as Golden State struggled offensively.
However, Stephen Curry, facing Houston’s tough defense and double teams, became more aggressive, scoring 25 of his 36 points during the second and third quarters. Curry’s impressive 9-of-13 shooting in that span helped the Warriors enter the fourth quarter trailing by just two points, 71-69.
“He’s Steph Curry,” Kerr said. “He’s one of the greatest players of all time. He’s 37. He’s one of the most well-conditioned athletes I’ve ever seen in my life. 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.”
Even without Butler, Curry had support when it mattered. Buddy Hield contributed with five 3-pointers and 17 points. In the fourth quarter, Curry added nine points, while Payton capitalized on the defensive focus on Curry. Payton scored nine consecutive points and assisted Curry on a 3-pointer, pushing Golden State to a 95-86 lead with just over three minutes remaining.
- The Rockets double-teamed Curry on 27 plays.
- The Warriors averaged 1.22 points per play on those double teams in Game 3, according to ESPN Research.
“We prepared as if he was going to play,” Houston point guard Fred VanVleet said of Butler. “We were ready to go. You can’t play that game of who is playing, who is not playing. Every chance you don’t win a game you feel like you could win is a missed opportunity. Obviously, Jimmy adds another layer to that because they are a different team without him.
“But Gary Payton stepped up tonight. Both the guys off the bench played key minutes. … We knew they were going to respond with a guy out as any good team would. There’s no scrubs in the playoffs right now.”
After scoring 38 points in Houston’s Game 2 win, Jalen Green finished with nine points, six rebounds, and five assists. Alperen Sengun led Houston with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Dillon Brooks scored 13 points before fouling out.
The Rockets’ frustration was evident post-game, as Jalen Green exchanged words with Draymond Green. The Warriors’ power forward downplayed the incident, stating the game was over.
“Just talking,” Jalen Green said of his altercation with Draymond Green. “Steph had a good game. That’s the reason they won. It was just talking. You know, he (Draymond Green) can’t really do much of anything else. So talking is his only way.”
After the game, Butler posted on Instagram a picture of the Batman’s Bat signal, replacing the Batman logo with Curry’s signature Under Armour logo. Butler has nicknamed Curry as Batman and refers to himself as Robin.
“thanks Batman and team, excluding buddy,” wrote Butler, who enjoys teasing Hield.
Curry, who has scored 31 and 36 points in Golden State’s two wins this series, expressed his appreciation for Butler’s post, hoping to have Butler by his side on Monday.
“I just know that I need to play at a high level for us to win,” Curry said. “And so does he and so does Draymond and so does everybody. Whatever you want to call me, I’ll embrace it and hopefully it keeps happening.”
ESPN’s Michael C. Wright contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: Ohm Youngmisuk
