2025 NBA Playoffs Shocker: Warriors Dominate Game 3 Without Butler—Here's How

In the heart of San Francisco, a battle was brewing on the hardwood. The third chapter in the ongoing playoff saga between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets unfolded into a narrative of grit, determination, and pure basketball fervor. This wasn’t just another game; it was a testament to the relentless spirit of playoff basketball where every possession matters and each player has a role in the unfolding drama. The Arena was alive with anticipation, the air thick with tension as fans from both sides awaited the tip off, knowing all too well that the game could swing either way.

The Warriors, having walked through a gauntlet of challenges, stepped onto the court without their dynamo guard, Jimmy Butler. Yet, they had something else – a war-tested unity and a defense that could clamp down like a vice. On the flip side, the Rockets, with their array of flaming youth and veteran savvy, were set to prove that they could not only handle the pressure but excel under it.

Did you feel the pulse of this intense playoff encounter, the sweat and blood on the court, and the sheer will to win from both teams? The game was nothing short of an epic slugfest, showcasing basketball artistry at its finest.

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The lone bright spot was Jabari Smith Jr. The reserve big man played 26 minutes, contributing 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting. For the series, he’s shooting 60% from the field and 55.6% from 3-point range on three attempts a night, with 1.3 blocks per game. Finding more minutes for Smith should be a priority for the Rockets, who are desperately seeking answers offensively.Draymond Green must be singled out for his defense in the interior, holding Alperen Şengün to 2-of-8 shooting in over six minutes of guarding the opposing big man. While his offensive output was modest, he added three blocks and two steals in 34 minutes.

Another ‘Stephortless’ performance

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Curry did that thing where he takes over a game in its most pivotal moments — hitting dagger 3s, converting crafty layups and exploiting any mismatch on a big.Advertisement

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When asked about Curry’s performance, Kerr said, “I don’t know. Whatever I said these past 11 years, I don’t know. Copy and paste.”For the Rockets, this loss came down to missed opportunities. Their offensive inefficiency was glaring throughout the night, as they posted an uninspiring 46% effective field-goal percentage and a 47% true shooting percentage. Even at the free-throw line, where they dominated in attempts — 24 to Golden State’s 15 — they left points on the table, making just 14. Houston was the worst free-throw shooting team during the regular season, so this remains an area of concern at the worst possible time, summed up by Şengün’s 1-of-6 performance at the line.