Tue Apr 29 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Warriors Find Offensive Spark in Game 3 Win, But Kerr Warns Against Complacency

**San Francisco, CA** – The Golden State Warriors escaped Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets with a 104-93 victory, but their offensive struggles remain a concern. After a dismal first half in which they managed only eight assists, the Warriors reignited their attack in the second half, recording 16 assists and scoring 58 points. The key to their resurgence was the potent combination of Stephen Curry and Gary Payton II, whose two-man game proved devastating to the Rockets’ defense.

Coach Steve Kerr, however, cautioned against declaring the Warriors’ offensive woes solved. “I never liked the word solve,” Kerr stated, emphasizing the ever-changing nature of playoff basketball and the need for constant adaptation. While acknowledging the success of the Curry-Payton connection in the fourth quarter, he stressed that the strategy’s effectiveness isn’t guaranteed for Game 4.

The second half showcased Curry’s ability to balance scoring with playmaking, drawing defensive attention to create opportunities for his teammates. Draymond Green praised Payton’s savvy in leveraging Curry’s gravity to his advantage, highlighting the long-standing effectiveness of their partnership.

A Game 4 victory would put the Warriors in a commanding 3-1 series lead, but Kerr’s caution is well-founded. The Rockets are expected to adjust their defensive approach, and the Warriors must be prepared for a potential return to their earlier offensive struggles. The availability of forward Jimmy Butler III in Game 4 could also impact Golden State’s offensive strategy. The series continues, with the question remaining whether the Warriors’ Game 3 adjustments were a fleeting solution or a sign of things to come.

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