Will Butler's Absence Derail Warriors? Curry Drops 36 in Game 3 Thriller
Stephen Curry erupted for 36 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds as the Golden State Warriors overcame Jimmy Butler’s absence to defeat the Houston Rockets 104-93 in Game 3, taking a 2-1 series lead. Butler (pelvic contusion, gluteal muscle injury) missed the game after a hard fall in Game 2 left him with “no mobility,” per reports, though optimism remains for his Game 4 return
Houston’s Fred VanVleet opened strong with 9 quick points, finishing with 1, while Alperen Şengün added 15 points and 11 rebounds. Golden State’s bench stepped up: Buddy Hield nailed five 3-pointers (17 points), and Gary Payton II scored 11 of his 16 in the fourth
Key developments:
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Dillon Brooks fouled out late after relentless defense on Curry, drawing boos from Chase Center fans
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Amen Thompson’s Game 2 foul on Butler sparked controversy, with Brooks calling Draymond Green the “real dirty player”
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Brandin Podziemski played through illness, contributing defensively as rotations shifted without Butler
The Warriors’ adjusted lineups neutralized Houston’s physicality, holding them to 93 points after surrendering 109 in Game 2. Game 4 tips Monday, with Butler’s status pivotal for Golden State’s title hopes
