In a thrilling Game 3 showdown, the Golden State Warriors overcame the absence of Jimmy Butler to secure a crucial 104-93 victory over the Houston Rockets. Stephen Curry led the charge with a stellar 36-point performance, showcasing his resilience against Houston's tough defense. Additionally, Gary Payton II stepped up off the bench, scoring 16 crucial points and sealing the win with an emphatic reverse dunk. Despite facing early challenges, the Warriors rallied together, proving their depth and determination in the playoffs.
The absence of Butler created a sense of urgency for the Warriors, who adjusted their lineup and found success through Curry's offensive brilliance. Buddy Hield also made a significant impact with his sharpshooting, while Payton's clutch plays down the stretch helped secure the win. The Rockets, led by Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, fought hard but ultimately fell short as the Warriors' resilience and teamwork shone through. As the series now stands at 2-1 in favor of Golden State, all eyes turn to Game 4 as the battle for playoff supremacy intensifies.