Resilient Warriors Rise: Thriving Without Curry in a Crucial Victory

In Game 3 against the Houston Rockets, Draymond Green made a crucial steal and assisted Gary Payton II, who electrified the crowd with a reverse dunk. Despite Jimmy Butler being sidelined, the Golden State Warriors pulled off a thrilling 104-93 victory, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.

Butler’s absence raised questions before the game. He suffered a painful fall in Game 2, leading to a contusion. Coach Steve Kerr confirmed Butler is day-to-day, hoping he will return for Game 4.

With Butler out, the Warriors reshaped their lineup, starting Jonathan Kuminga and Quinten Post. The Rockets jumped ahead with a 13-point lead. Stephen Curry, however, turned the tide with an aggressive 36-point performance, scoring 25 points between the second and third quarters. He managed this against Houston’s tough defense, clearly showcasing his skill and determination.

“He’s one of the greatest players of all time,” Kerr praised Curry. At 37, Curry’s stamina and experience shine through, especially against intense defenses like the Rockets. He only turned the ball over twice, a testament to his composure under pressure.

In addition to Curry, Buddy Hield stepped up with 17 points, hitting five crucial three-pointers. Payton also played a significant role, scoring nine consecutive points and assisting Curry for an important three-pointer that widened the Warriors’ lead.

According to ESPN Research, the Rockets double-teamed Curry on 27 different plays, averaging 1.22 points per play in those situations. This shows how even when facing pressure, the Warriors knew how to capitalize on their opportunities.

Houston’s Fred VanVleet commented on Butler’s absence, emphasizing that every playoff team has strength and depth. “You can’t play that game of who is in or out,” he noted, stressing the need to adapt.

Jalen Green, who excelled in Game 2, struggled this time, finishing with just nine points. The Rockets couldn’t harness their Game 2 energy, leading to disappointment. After the match, emotions ran high, especially between Green and Draymond, signaling the rivalry’s intensity.

Butler shared a playful Instagram post likening Curry to Batman, reinforcing the team spirit even from the sidelines. “Thanks, Batman and team, excluding Buddy,” he joked, highlighting his playful banter with Hield.

Curry appreciated Butler’s encouragement, knowing their synergy is vital for future victories. As they look towards Game 4, both players need to perform at their best, ensuring the Warriors keep their momentum going.

In historical context, this matchup highlights how teams adapt in the playoffs. The ability to respond to adversity is crucial, something the Warriors demonstrated on Saturday. As the series unfolds, the stakes continue to rise, making every game a battle of skill, strategy, and heart.

For more insights on this exciting series, you can check out [ESPN’s latest updates](https://www.espn.com).

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