The Golden State Warriors have taken the lead in the series even without the injured Jimmy Butler. In Game 3 against the Houston Rockets, the Warriors prevailed 104-93 thanks to a strong final quarter.
With Jimmy Butler out with a bruised pelvis, Stephen Curry stepped up and the 37-year-old immediately delivered his best performance of the series. The superstar scored 21 of his 36 points (12/23 FG, 5/13 three-pointers, plus 7 rebounds and 9 assists) after the break, giving the Warriors home-court advantage in the series.
The Rockets dominated for three quarters, putting their stamp on another defensive-minded game. Both teams shot only around 40 percent from the field for a long time before the Warriors pulled away with five three-pointers in the final quarter. The Dubs won the fourth quarter 35-22, with Gary Payton II scoring 11 of his 16 points (7/9) in that period.
Rockets disappoint offensively
Buddy Hield (17) also made an important contribution off the bench with five three-pointers, the same number as Curry. The game was still evenly balanced midway through the final quarter, but then Curry found Payton II for a dunk and a three-pointer and finally scored a deep three-pointer himself (95-86). The Dubs won the last 5:47 minutes 21:9.
Houston dominated the rebounds again, but couldn’t find a consistent offense. Jalen Green, who was the match winner in Game 2 with 38 points, hardly got a look this time (9 points, 4/11), with Fred VanVleet already the top scorer with 17 points (5/14). Alperen Sengün (15, 11 rebounds) recorded a double-double but couldn’t prevent the Warriors’ victory.
The 7-seed now leads 2-1 and can take another step toward the next round on Tuesday night at home in Chase Center. It is still unclear whether Butler will be able to play again.
