Stephen Curry Drops 36 as Warriors Beat Rockets for 2-1 Lead
(WE) — Without one of their toughest stars in uniform and facing the NBA’s most physical defense, the Golden State Warriors turned to their battle-tested veteran, Stephen Curry, to carry the load. And once again, the 37-year-old legend delivered.
Curry scored 36 points on 12-of-23 shooting, leading the Warriors to a 104-93 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night at Chase Center and giving Golden State a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round playoff series.
Against a swarming, handsy Rockets defense — one designed specifically to slow him down — Curry responded with a masterclass performance, one that reminded the basketball world why he’s still considered the greatest shooter in NBA history.
“It doesn’t matter how many guys you throw at him,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said postgame. “He’s seen it all. And he always finds a way.”
A Herculean Effort in the Face of Adversity
Playing without Jimmy Butler — the star wing sidelined due to a bruised pelvis suffered in Game 2 — the Warriors needed someone to take charge. Kerr had said Friday the team was “relatively optimistic” Butler could go, but after pregame testing, the decision was made to hold him out.
Enter Curry.
Whether curling off screens, darting into the paint for slick layups, or launching deep three-pointers with Houston defenders hanging all over him, Curry had an answer for every challenge.
Houston tried double-teams, blitzes, physical switches, even trapping him at half court — but it hardly mattered.
Curry scored 15 points in the first half, helping the Warriors weather a slow start where they trailed 49-46 at intermission. He poured in 12 more in the third quarter as Golden State nudged ahead. And then he finished the job, orchestrating the offense late with typical poise.
“You can’t measure heart,” said Draymond Green. “Steph’s got the biggest heart in the league.”
Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II Provide Vital Support
Although Curry dominated the scoring column, the Warriors’ supporting cast stepped up in crucial moments.
Off the bench, Buddy Hield — acquired midseason from the Indiana Pacers — scored 17 points on a barrage of quick-trigger jumpers. His second-quarter flurry helped Golden State recover from a rugged eight-minute dry spell where they scored just four points.
Defensively, Green was once again the Warriors’ anchor. Tasked with battling Houston’s supersized frontcourt — including Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. — Green fought relentlessly, recording eight rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.
Meanwhile, Gary Payton II delivered a fourth-quarter spark that shifted the momentum. Scoring nine of his 16 points in a two-minute burst, Payton nailed back-to-back layups after Curry drew defensive traps, then buried a timely three-pointer that helped Golden State build separation.
“We needed energy, and Gary Payton II gave us life,” Kerr said.
Warriors Show Growth on the Boards and in the Paint
One of Golden State’s biggest weaknesses in Game 1 was rebounding. Houston had dominated the glass 52-36, sparking second-chance points and easy looks inside.
But in Game 3, despite losing the rebounding battle by six overall, the Warriors battled much more effectively. They even outscored Houston 44-38 in the paint — a significant reversal that highlighted their grit.
With Jonathan Kuminga sliding into the starting lineup in Butler’s absence, Golden State leaned on toughness and tenacity. Kuminga chipped in several hard-fought buckets, including isolation drives that kept the Warriors afloat during a tight third quarter.
Fourth-year wing Moses Moody was another unsung hero. The Arkansas Razorbacks alum scored early through difficult finishes in traffic, helping Golden State withstand a rough first quarter where they trailed 22-18.
Houston’s Missed Opportunities
While Curry’s brilliance was the story, Houston will rue its missed chances.
The Rockets — led by young stars like Jalen Green and Amen Thompson — couldn’t cash in at the free-throw line. Houston shot just 14-of-24 (58.3%) at the stripe, a glaring problem in a game that remained close into the final minutes.
Even when Golden State’s offense sputtered early, Houston failed to deliver a knockout blow. The Rockets’ biggest lead — 34-22 midway through the second quarter — evaporated in a hail of Curry jumpers and Hield floaters.
“We let them hang around,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka admitted. “Against a team like that, with Stephen Curry on the floor, that’s a recipe for disaster.”
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Game 4: What’s Next
The series will resume Monday night at Chase Center, with the Warriors seeking a commanding 3-1 series lead before shifting back to Toyota Center for Game 5.
Golden State is hopeful that Butler, who averaged 20.3 points and 6.5 rebounds in the regular season, could be ready after two more days of rest and treatment. Kerr indicated the team would “reassess” Butler during Sunday’s practice.
But even if Butler can’t go, the Warriors have shown they’re capable of adjusting — as long as Curry keeps playing at this level.
“Steph’s got it,” Green said. “We just follow his lead.”
Houston, meanwhile, must find a way to generate easier offense. Despite flashes of brilliance from Green and Thompson, they struggled against Golden State’s switching defense and physical paint play.
“We’ve got to be tougher,” said veteran forward Dillon Brooks. “Simple as that.”
Full Box Score Highlights
Golden State Warriors
- Stephen Curry: 36 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists
- Buddy Hield: 17 points, 3 rebounds
- Gary Payton II: 16 points, 4 rebounds
- Draymond Green: 7 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks
- Jonathan Kuminga: 11 points, 5 rebounds
- Moses Moody: 8 points
Houston Rockets
- Jalen Green: 21 points, 5 assists
- Alperen Şengün: 19 points, 9 rebounds
- Amen Thompson: 14 points, 6 rebounds
- Dillon Brooks: 12 points
- Jabari Smith Jr.: 10 points
Key Stats
- Free Throws: Warriors 21-of-24 (87.5%), Rockets 14-of-24 (58.3%)
- Paint Points: Warriors 44, Rockets 38
- Rebounds: Rockets 48, Warriors 42
- Turnovers: Rockets 16, Warriors 12
Final Thoughts
Game 3 of the Warriors-Rockets series was a showcase of experience versus youth. In the crucible of playoff basketball, poise, precision, and star power often win out.
Golden State has all three, thanks to Stephen Curry.
As the Warriors look ahead to Game 4, the path forward remains simple: Trust in their battle-hardened core, get Jimmy Butler healthy if possible, and continue to outwork a talented but unproven Houston squad.
If Saturday was any indication, Curry and company are ready for the moment.
