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With the Golden State Warriors lacking star ahead Jimmy Butler, it was Stephen Curry who as soon as once more put the group on his again in Sport 3 in opposition to the Houston Rockets. Curry delivered a classic efficiency, dropping 36 factors and main the Warriors to a important 104-93 win to take a 2-1 collection lead. Nevertheless it was one explicit second—Curry torching Dillon Brooks’ protection—that had followers dropping their minds.

Early on, Curry seemed like he was feeling out the sport, scoring simply two factors within the first quarter. Houston’s defensive stress, led by Brooks, appeared to rattle Golden State’s offense. However as the sport wore on, Curry discovered his rhythm and commenced carving up the Rockets’ protection, with Brooks typically the unlucky sufferer.

Curry’s takeover started halfway via the second quarter. He shifted gears, relentlessly attacking the rim, hitting mid-range jumpers, and finally lighting it up from deep. Brooks, recognized for his robust protection, couldn’t sustain. One signature spotlight got here within the third quarter, when Curry used a slick dribble transfer to shake Brooks and drained a jumper proper in his face. The Chase Middle erupted, and social media lit up with followers clowning Brooks and praising Curry’s masterclass.

Warriors take sport 3 over the Rockets led by Stephen Curry

By the tip of the third quarter, Curry had scored 27 factors, single-handedly maintaining the Warriors forward whereas the remainder of the beginning 5 struggled. He completed the night time with 36 factors on 12-of-23 capturing, 5-of-13 from three, together with 9 assists, seven rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. His efficiency additionally vaulted him previous Tony Parker into tenth place on the NBA’s all-time playoff scoring listing.

“I simply needed to keep aggressive,” Curry stated postgame. “They had been attempting to take the ball out of my fingers early, however as soon as I bought slightly rhythm, I knew I might break them down.”

Brooks, in the meantime, fouled out late within the sport, capping a tough night time the place his defensive efforts became a showcase for Curry’s dominance.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr made key changes, beginning Jonathan Kuminga and Quinten Submit in Butler’s absence, nevertheless it was Curry—and a few well timed capturing from Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II—that made the distinction. Hield added 17 factors off the bench, whereas Payton scored 16 on 7-of-9 capturing, together with a clutch nook three and a breakaway dunk late within the fourth.

The Rockets tried to hold robust behind Fred VanVleet’s 17 factors and Alperen Şengün’s double-double, however their chilly capturing and missed free throws (12-for-22 as a group) proved pricey.

In a collection the place each level issues, the Warriors proved that having the very best participant on the ground makes all of the distinction. Followers watched in awe as Curry turned a tightly contested sport into a private spotlight reel, cooking defenders and carrying Golden State to the brink of a commanding collection lead.

Sport 4 ideas off Monday night time at Chase Middle, the place Curry and the Warriors will look to increase their benefit—and Dillon Brooks will certainly be hoping for slightly redemption.