Curry's 36-Point Spectacle Secures Warriors' Victory, But at What Cost?

In the latest chapter of Golden State’s daunting narrative, the Rockets found themselves on the precipice, desperate for a victory to shift the momentum. However, fate, the type of which often goes unforgivingly against contenders, had other plans in this road game. While waiting in the wings, Jimmy Butler sat sidelined, nursing his pelvic injury—a beacon for fans hopeful of the Warriors’ frailty. Alas, it was not to be.

The game erupted into an unmistakable ambiance. Much to a sports buff’s chagrin; a sea of doubts churned within the heart of true basketball aficionados. As the Rockets initially soared ahead, with nary a chink in their defensive armor, the game’s narrative seem to be predictably triumphant. However, that all changed. What ensued was nothing short of an offensive marvel, orchestrated by none other than Stephen Curry in a vintage second-half masterclass.

This victory places the Warriors still comfortably at its series peak, their ascent bolstered with a 2-1 lead. With the winds for Game 4 looking to be favorable in the Bay Area, the Warriors stand in prime to potentially close this series, unless—but what could it be? There might be tales woven by the speculation mills at launch—Jimmy might make his anticipated return, but if the Warriors clinch the critical game under his watchful eye, would it not be a missed window for the Houston stalwarts? Ah, the twists and turns, as always, irresistible to any fan of the beautiful game! After all, we know, the game is live, dynamic, and often, unmerciful! LEARN MORE.

This was the game the Rockets needed to win on the road. Jimmy Butler was sitting on the bench in a brown sweat suit, out with a pelvic contusion after his fall in Game 2. The Warriors are not the same team without him.The Warriors learned their lesson from Game 2, when Jalen Green went off for 38. They made him play in a crowd. For the game, the Rockets were led by Fred VanVleet with 17 points (13 of those in the first quarter), while Alperen Sengun added 15 points and 11 rebounds. Nobody could score enough for Houston.The spark the Warriors needed to turn things around came from Buddy Hield. He started draining 3s in the first half and cutting the Rockets’ lead down to size.It was a rough game for Houston. This is a team built on defense, but they seemed to lose Curry and give him too much space too often. Additionally, their half-court offense stagnated much of the night.

With that win, the Warriors are up 2-1 in the series with Game 4 in the Bay Area Monday night. Jimmy Butler could return for that game, and if the Warriors win with him, it will seem the Rockets missed their window.The Rockets were ahead for much of the first half, with that lead growing to 13 at one point.Still, the Rockets fought back and even led 84-83 with 5:47 to go, but then the Warriors went on a 21-9 run to close out the game. A run fueled by Curry.The Rockets need to find their own offensive fuel by Monday or they will find themselves on the edge of elimination.
Instead, it was the Stephen Curry show. He took over in the second half and dropped 36 on Houston’s long, athletic defense.