Tue Apr 29 03:40:00 UTC 2025: **Warriors Beat Rockets in Game 3 Despite Butler Injury**
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a 104-93 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series on Saturday, despite the absence of injured forward Jimmy Butler III. Butler, who suffered a deep gluteal muscle contusion and pelvis injury in Game 2, watched the game from the bench in a striking fur coat, offering support and strategic advice to his teammates.
Curry delivered a stellar performance, scoring 36 points with five 3-pointers, nine assists, and seven rebounds. His increased effort was partly attributed to Butler’s absence. The two players share a camaraderie built on past experiences with similar back injuries, as Curry has also dealt with a bruised tailbone.
While Butler’s status for Game 4 remains uncertain (“literally day-to-day,” according to coach Steve Kerr), his presence on the bench proved valuable. Kerr praised Butler’s basketball IQ and ability to communicate effectively with his teammates. Gary Payton II also stepped up, scoring 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. Jonathan Kuminga started in place of Butler, making his fourth career playoff start.
The Rockets’ coach, Ime Udoka, acknowledged the Warriors’ strength even without Butler, emphasizing the Rockets’ failure to capitalize on the Warriors’ injury. The Warriors now hold a 2-1 series lead heading into Monday’s Game 4.
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