Stephen Curry and Warriors Shine Bright Without Jimmy Butler in Game 3 Victory
SAN FRANCISCO — In one of their most determined performances of the season, the Golden State Warriors overcame the absence of Jimmy Butler to claim a pivotal 104-93 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 3 on Saturday night. Stephen Curry led the charge with a sensational 36-point performance, helping the Warriors seize a 2-1 lead in the series.
From the opening tip, the Warriors showed remarkable energy and focus. Without Jimmy Butler, who was ruled out before the game due to a lingering ankle injury, the responsibility fell heavily on Stephen Curry and the rest of the roster to step up — and they answered the call.
Curry dazzled the Chase Center crowd with his trademark deep three-pointers, relentless drives, and creative playmaking. His Game 3 performance not only kept the Warriors afloat but also ignited the team at critical moments when the Rockets threatened to close the gap.
Alongside Curry, Draymond Green delivered one of the clutch plays of the night. Late in the fourth quarter, Green anticipated a pass, made a clean steal, and launched a fast break. He found Gary Payton II racing ahead, who thrilled fans with an emphatic reverse dunk that effectively sealed the win for the Warriors.
The Warriors vs Rockets highlights featured not only Curry’s scoring brilliance but also the Warriors' defensive tenacity. Klay Thompson added 18 points with timely three-pointers, while Andrew Wiggins provided solid defense against Houston's star guards.
Draymond Green’s leadership was pivotal throughout the contest, inspiring the team with his energy and playmaking on both ends. His clutch play, combined with Curry’s explosive scoring, gave Golden State the momentum they needed during key stretches.
Gary Payton II’s performance off the bench brought additional spark. His electrifying reverse dunk following Green’s assist was the definitive moment of the game, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and crushing any hopes of a Rockets comeback.
Meanwhile, Houston struggled to find rhythm offensively. Despite a strong effort from Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet, the Rockets could not match the Warriors' intensity in the second half. The Golden State defense forced multiple turnovers, leading to easy transition points and maintaining their advantage.
The Warriors' Game 3 victory also highlighted their depth and resilience. With Jimmy Butler sidelined, the team’s ability to regroup and deliver under pressure reflects the championship pedigree ingrained in the organization.
As the NBA Playoffs 2025 heat up, this Warriors 2-1 series lead puts Houston in a must-win situation heading into Game 4. Jimmy Butler’s injury update remains a major storyline, with fans eagerly awaiting news about his potential return for the next clash.
Golden State will now look to carry this momentum forward, with Stephen Curry aiming to maintain his high-level play and lead the Warriors closer to another deep playoff run. The Rockets, on the other hand, face the challenge of adjusting their strategy to stay alive in the series.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights as the NBA Playoffs 2025 continue to deliver unforgettable moments.