Stephen Curry erupted for 36 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds to lift the Golden State Warriors over the Houston Rockets 104-93 on Saturday night, seizing a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series at Chase Center.
Golden State played without Jimmy Butler, who remained sidelined after suffering a pelvic injury and deep gluteal muscle contusion in Game 2.
Buddy Hield provided a major spark off the bench with 17 points on five made three-pointers, helping the Warriors secure their sixth consecutive Game 3 win in an opening round.
Gary Payton II stepped up in the final quarter, scoring 11 of his 16 points to push Golden State past a persistent Houston squad.
Fred VanVleet led the Rockets early, hitting back-to-back three-pointers and a three-point play for Houston’s first nine points, and finished the night with 17.
Alperen Sengun added 15 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the visitors, who failed to contain Curry once he caught fire in the second quarter.
After missing all three of his long-range attempts in the opening period, Curry connected on a critical three-pointer with 5:16 left before halftime, sparking a 13-point second quarter surge that brought the Warriors within three at the break.
Dillon Brooks struggled with foul trouble throughout the night, picking up two fouls within the first five minutes and finishing with four by halftime.
The Rockets were limited to 39.5% shooting from the field and committed 14 turnovers, while the Warriors outscored them 35-22 in the fourth quarter to close out the win.
Game 4 of the series is scheduled for Monday night at Chase Center, with Butler’s status for Golden State still uncertain.
