“Steph is just different, man. You can see when he locks in like that—nobody’s matching that energy.”
— Draymond Green after Game 3.
When the Golden State Warriors needed a hero Saturday night, Stephen Curry answered with the kind of performance that reminds everyone why he’s regarded as one of the greatest competitors in NBA history.
Facing a scrappy and determined Houston Rockets squad without the services of Jimmy Butler, who was sidelined for the night, Curry knew he would have to do more than just “be Steph.” He had to outwork, outlast, and outfight an energetic Rockets defense—and he did exactly that.
The Warriors leaned heavily on their two-time MVP, who delivered a masterpiece to push Golden State to a 104–93 victory in Game 3, seizing a critical 2–1 lead in the first-round playoff series.
No Warrior logged more court time than Curry, who clocked an exhausting 40 minutes and 59 seconds, nearly seven full minutes more than the next closest player, Draymond Green. It wasn’t just the sheer time on the hardwood that was impressive—it was how Curry filled those minutes with pure willpower and dazzling skill.
After a quiet start that saw him score just two points in the first quarter, Curry found his rhythm and took over. He finished with 36 points on 12-of-23 shooting (52.2%), including 5-of-13 from three-point range (38.5%). Beyond scoring, he added seven rebounds and nine assists, rounding out a performance that was as much about leadership as it was about numbers.
A Rocky Start, Then a Masterclass
The opening quarter was far from ideal. Houston’s athletic defenders—led by the likes of Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks—swarmed Curry early, throwing doubles at him and forcing tough shots. The Warriors’ offense sputtered as a result, managing only 20 points in the frame. Curry’s two-point contribution looked ominous.
But as the game wore on, Curry adapted. He started moving more aggressively without the ball, tiring out his younger defenders. Golden State’s screens got sharper, and Curry began finding slivers of space where he could unleash his lightning-quick release.
By halftime, he had 14 points, and the Warriors had clawed their way to a slim lead. The second half was a different story entirely—Curry was electric, scoring 22 points after the break and leaving the Rockets scrambling.
Golden State outscored Houston 28-18 in the fourth quarter, thanks in large part to Curry’s poise and execution. Every time the Rockets threatened to close the gap, Curry either hit a back-breaking three or found a teammate for a crucial basket.
A Different Kind of Game for Golden State
This wasn’t the free-flowing, three-point fireworks show that many associate with the Warriors dynasty. Instead, Game 3 was a grind, and Curry’s versatility shone through. He posted up smaller defenders, attacked the paint, and worked tirelessly to create shots for others when Houston overloaded on him.
Draymond Green, who finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, summed it up best postgame:
“Steph is just different, man. You can see when he locks in like that—nobody’s matching that energy.”
With Klay Thompson struggling (4-of-13 shooting) and Andrew Wiggins contributing only sporadically, it was Curry who consistently made the right reads under pressure.
Even Curry’s defensive effort stood out. Though Houston relentlessly attacked him in switches, he held his own, contesting shots, grabbing key rebounds, and communicating effectively with teammates.
The Toll on Curry—and the Big Question
However, the physical toll was obvious by the end. Curry, 37 years old and coming off a long regular season where he already carried much of the offensive load, looked visibly drained during stoppages. He bent over at the waist after long possessions, wiped his forehead frequently, and relied on timeout breaks to catch his breath.
The question now is simple: Is this sustainable?
Curry’s brilliance covered up a lot of Golden State’s issues on Saturday night. Without Butler, the team had to ask Curry to be nearly superhuman, and he delivered. But with a short rotation, ageing stars, and inconsistent contributions from key role players, it’s fair to wonder how long Curry can carry this burden.
Houston, young and athletic, won’t be deterred after one loss. They’ll come harder in Game 4, likely with adjustments aimed at further wearing Curry down.
What Comes Next
If the Warriors hope to make a deep playoff run, they’ll need more from everyone around Curry. Thompson must find his shot again, Wiggins has to be more assertive, and the bench, sparse as it is, has to provide reliable minutes.
Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged this after the game:
“We can’t just rely on Steph to save us every night. He was magnificent, but we have to be better around him.”
That said, Curry’s Game 3 heroics once again highlight a simple truth: when you have Stephen Curry, you always have a chance.
The Warriors will return to action for Game 4 on Monday night at the Chase Center, with an opportunity to take a commanding 3–1 lead in the series. Whether Curry can summon another monumental effort—or whether someone else will step up—remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: if this was the last great Steph Curry performance we see this postseason, it was a reminder of the excellence, the endurance, and the sheer heart that have defined his legendary career.
And if it wasn’t?
Houston—and the rest of the NBA—should be very, very worried.
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