In a pivotal Game 3 of the NBA playoffs, the Golden State Warriors secured a 104-93 victory over the Houston Rockets, taking a 2-1 lead in their series. With star Jimmy Butler sidelined due to injury, Gary Payton II stepped up, scoring 16 points off the bench. Despite a challenging start where the Rockets led by 13, Stephen Curry ignited a comeback by scoring 25 of his game-high 36 points in the second and third quarters.
Curry faced aggressive double-team defenses, yet he thrived, with significant support from Buddy Hield, who contributed 17 points. Payton also capitalized on Curry’s defensive attention, adding key points in the fourth quarter.
Jalen Green of the Rockets, who had previously excelled in the series, struggled, finishing with only nine points, while Alperen Sengun led Houston with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Following the game, tensions flared briefly between Green and Draymond Green, but it was downplayed as just “talk.” Butler later posted a tribute to Curry on social media, expressing hope for his return in Game 4. Curry emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of play for the upcoming match.
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