In a thrilling matchup that showcased the intensity of playoff basketball, the Golden State Warriors triumphed over the Houston Rockets 104-93 in Game 3 of their first-round series on Saturday evening, April 26, 2025. The victory came without the Warriors' star forward Jimmy Butler, who was sidelined due to a pelvic contusion sustained in Game 2.
Despite Butler's absence, the Warriors were led by their sharpshooting superstar, Steph Curry, who delivered a standout performance with a game-high 34 points, including five three-pointers. "You're not as brave in person," Curry remarked, reflecting on the raucous atmosphere at Chase Center, where fans were eager to support their team while demonstrating their disdain for the visiting Rockets.
Buddy Hield contributed significantly off the bench, adding 17 points, while Gary Payton II chipped in with 16 points. The Warriors' depth shone through, helping them secure a crucial win in the series, which is now tied at 2-1. "We did what we had to do to get the win tonight," Hield said post-game. "Everyone stepped up in Jimmy's absence, and that’s what we need moving forward."
On the other side, the Rockets struggled to find offensive rhythm, with Fred VanVleet leading the team with only 17 points on 14 shots. Jalen Green, who had a stellar 38-point performance in the previous game, was held to just nine points on 11 attempts. The Rockets' offense appeared disjointed, and they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. "It’s frustrating, we need to take better care of the ball and execute our plays better," Green lamented after the game.
The game began with a competitive edge, as both teams exchanged leads throughout the first half. The Rockets managed to lead 49-46 at halftime, but the Warriors closed the second quarter with a 9-0 run, shifting the momentum in their favor. "We knew we had to come out strong in the second half, and we did that," Curry stated.
As the game progressed, the physicality increased, reminiscent of the previous encounters in this heated playoff series. Players from both teams received technical fouls, and Houston’s Jalen Green was assessed a flagrant foul for a reckless play that caught Draymond Green in the face. The tension was palpable, and the stakes were high as both teams battled for supremacy.
In the lead-up to the game, the narrative surrounding Amen Thompson, the Rockets' rookie guard, intensified after his controversial play in Game 2, where he inadvertently injured Butler. Thompson's teammate, Dillon Brooks, defended him during a press conference, stating, "Amen's not a dirty player. He has nothing to do with being a dirty player." Brooks also took aim at Draymond Green, labeling him the "dirty player" in the matchup. "No, I think the dirty player is Draymond (Green), giving him a little push as regular basketball players do," Brooks remarked, challenging the narrative surrounding Thompson.
Coach Ime Udoka echoed Brooks' sentiments, emphasizing that Thompson's foul was unintentional. "It’s obvious it wasn’t intentional. You look at all the bodies in between and him getting bumped and tripped and the way he fell. You don’t fall into somebody face-first on purpose," Udoka said. The Rockets' coach also noted the importance of focusing on the game rather than the external narratives. "We’re not worried about that. We’re on to the next game and we hope Jimmy can get better," Brooks added.
With the series now shifting to a pivotal Game 4 scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2025, both teams understand the importance of maintaining their focus. The Warriors aim to capitalize on their momentum, while the Rockets are determined to bounce back and even the series. "We have to regroup and come out stronger next game. We know what we’re capable of," VanVleet stated confidently.
As the playoffs continue, the rivalry between the Rockets and Warriors intensifies, with both teams looking to assert their dominance. The absence of Butler looms large, but the Warriors have proven their resilience, showcasing their depth and talent. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as the teams prepare for Game 4, where every possession will count in this high-stakes playoff battle.
