Stephen Curry lights up the scoreboard with 36 points as the Golden State Warriors seize a 2-1 series advantage over the Houston Rockets during the NBA playoffs, with Jimmy Butler out due to injury.
Curry led the game with an impressive 36 points, and the Warriors, despite the absence of the injured Jimmy Butler III, overcame the Houston Rockets with a score of 104-93 in their first-round playoff matchup held in San Francisco.
Gary Payton II contributed significantly, scoring nine of his playoff career-high 16 points during a crucial stretch, while Buddy Hield knocked down five three-pointers, making up a large portion of his total 17 points.
Rookie Quinten Post led the Warriors with 12 rebounds in his playoff debut, helping the seventh-seeded team aim for a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference series.
After a slow start, Golden State narrowed the halftime deficit to 49-46, compensating for Jimmy Butler’s absence due to injury.
Dillon Brooks’ three-point shot gave the Rockets an 84-83 lead, but Gary Payton then dominated the game, scoring nine points in a crucial stretch, including a three-pointer and strong layups.
Steph Curry also excelled, hitting five three-pointers as Golden State secured the win while maintaining defensive pressure.
Curry scored 30 points, achieving his 60th playoff game with at least that total, along with seven rebounds and nine assists.
Houston’s VanVleet noted the team’s need to adjust defensively. Golden State outperformed Houston in three-pointers (42-33), with notable contributions from Draymond Green and Podziemski.
Read Also: Heavyweight star Chris Eubank Jr beats Conor Benn on unanimous points decision
The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 38 points, defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 117-115, sweeping their series 4-0.
The Cleveland Cavaliers dominate the Miami Heat 124-87, taking a 3-0 lead. The Denver Nuggets tied their series against the Los Angeles Clippers 2-2 with a 101-99 victory, capped by Aaron Gordon’s last-second dunk.
“You might call it a fortunate play, but Aaron is an impressive athletic specimen,” remarked Nuggets interim coach David Adelman.
“He anticipated the ball well. I couldn’t determine if it was good or not. I was getting ready for overtime…
“That moment will definitely be featured on NBA TV one day, and I’m pleased we came out victorious.
I’m happy it will be recognized as Nuggets Day rather than Clippers Day.”
Jokic scored 36 points, grabbed 21 rebounds, and provided eight assists, leading the Nuggets to bounce back from a Game 3 loss.
Kawhi Leonard contributed 24 points and nine rebounds, while Norman Powell added 22 points for the Clippers. Game 5 will take place in Denver on Tuesday.
