In a thrilling showdown at the Chase Center on April 26, 2025, Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry added yet another chapter to his storied playoff legacy. As the Warriors faced off against the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, Curry rose to the occasion, leading his team to a 104-93 victory and giving Golden State a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
At 37 years old, Curry scored 36 points on 12-of-23 shooting, showcasing his remarkable skill and tenacity. This performance not only solidified his status as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history but also marked his 150th career playoff game, a milestone reached by only a select few in the league.
“Steph Curry climbs another rank in the record books, now 10th in playoff points in NBA history,” the ClutchPoints X account proudly announced as Curry's scoring total surged to 4,047 points, surpassing San Antonio Spurs legend Tony Parker to claim the 10th spot on the all-time playoff scoring list. With LeBron James leading the pack with 8,240 points and Jerry West just ahead of Curry with 4,457 points, the stage is set for Curry to continue his climb up the rankings.
The Warriors faced a tough challenge without their star co-player, Jimmy Butler, who was sidelined with a bruised pelvis sustained during Game 2. Coach Steve Kerr had hoped to see Butler return, but after pregame evaluations, it was confirmed that he would not play. In his absence, Jonathan Kuminga stepped into the starting role, contributing valuable minutes to the team.
The game began with the Rockets taking an early lead, ballooning to a 34-22 advantage in the second quarter. However, Curry's determination shone through as he scored 13 points in the second period, helping the Warriors regain their footing. He was supported by Buddy Hield, who came off the bench to score 17 points, and Draymond Green, who delivered a solid performance with seven points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.
Despite the Rockets’ physical defense, which often left Curry surrounded by multiple defenders, he managed to find openings and create scoring opportunities. With Curry at the helm, the Warriors outscored the Rockets 44-38 in the paint, a stark improvement from their previous outing where they were out-rebounded 52-36 in Game 1.
As the game progressed, the Warriors continued to fight back. Curry scored 15 points in the first half, and the team trailed narrowly at halftime, 49-46. The third quarter saw them outscore the Rockets 23-22, with Curry contributing 12 more points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
In the fourth quarter, Gary Payton provided a crucial spark, scoring nine of his 16 points in a quick succession that helped the Warriors pull away. His back-to-back layups and a timely three-pointer shifted the momentum firmly in Golden State's favor.
The Warriors proved to be a different team with Curry on the court. Statistics revealed that while Curry was active, the team shot 17-of-38 from the field (44.7%), but without him, they struggled significantly, going 0-for-8. This stark contrast highlighted Curry's invaluable impact on the game.
Looking ahead, the Warriors are set to host the Rockets again for Game 4 on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 7 p.m. With the series poised at 2-1, the stakes are high as both teams vie for a critical win. Should the Warriors advance, they will face either the Los Angeles Lakers or Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round, adding further excitement to an already intense playoff season.
As the playoffs progress, all eyes will be on Curry as he continues to defy age and expectations. With his contract extending for two more seasons, fans can anticipate many more memorable moments from the two-time MVP. The Warriors’ strategy, bolstered by the addition of Jimmy Butler earlier in the season, aims to keep them competitive in the coming years. Curry’s legacy, already cemented, will only grow as he chases further milestones and playoff success.
