Warriors Surge Past Rockets, Take 2-1 Playoff Series Lead
San Francisco—The Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry’s game-high 36 points, defeated the Houston Rockets 104-93 on Saturday, taking a 2-1 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series. Despite missing injured star Jimmy Butler III, who suffered a glute contusion in Game 2, the Warriors demonstrated resilience and teamwork.
Curry, who also recorded seven rebounds and nine assists, praised his teammates’ ability to adapt. “This series, no game is going to be pretty. You just kinda have to grind it out,” he said. The Warriors struggled initially, scoring just 22 points by the second quarter’s midpoint but rallied with a late push, trailing 49-46 at halftime.
Gary Payton II emerged as a pivotal player, scoring a career-high 16 points, including a crucial late-game run that shifted momentum in favor of Golden State. “Gary was unbelievable,” Curry highlighted, acknowledging Payton’s impact after a scoreless Game 2.
The Rockets, who previously held the Warriors to 18 points in the first quarter, fought back, with Dillon Brooks giving them a brief 84-83 lead. However, Payton responded decisively, scoring several key baskets that propelled the Warriors ahead, further aided by a series of three-pointers from Curry and Buddy Hield, who chipped in 17 points.
For Houston, Fred VanVleet led with 17 points, but the Rockets struggled to contain the Warriors’ perimeter shooting, surrendering 42 points from beyond the arc. As the series continues, the Warriors will aim to capitalize on their momentum during Monday’s Game 4, seeking a 3-1 advantage.
In other playoffs action, the Oklahoma City Thunder completed a 4-0 sweep over the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Denver Nuggets evened their series against the Los Angeles Clippers with a thrilling last-second dunk by Aaron Gordon.
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