In a pivotal Game 3, the Golden State Warriors overcame the absence of star player Jimmy Butler to secure a 104-93 victory against the Houston Rockets, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. In the postgame interview, head coach Steve Kerr emphasized the significance of this win, particularly in light of the lineup changes necessitated by Butler’s injury.
Kerr acknowledged that the team initially struggled to find their rhythm, noting, “We changed the starting lineup and went to some combinations that we’ve barely played all year.” Despite this disarray, the Warriors’ defense proved to be the backbone of their success. Even when the Rockets built a 13-point lead, Kerr remained unfazed, understanding that such a deficit is manageable in the contemporary NBA. He highlighted the importance of closing the second quarter strong, which allowed the team to regain momentum heading into halftime.
The adjustments made to the lineup allowed players like Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to step up. Kerr praised Hield for his sharpshooting, stating, “He’s one of the best shooters in the league,” and credited the team’s improved spacing and ball movement for Hield’s success. The Warriors were able to exploit the Rockets’ defensive schemes, particularly the constant blitzing of superstar Steph Curry, which opened up opportunities for Hield and others to contribute.
Curry himself had another stellar performance, showcasing his ability to adapt under pressure. Kerr, while acknowledging Curry’s consistent excellence, remarked on the particular difficulty of the game, stating that Curry’s performance was a testament to his conditioning and skill. He noted, “He’s one of the greatest players of all time,” emphasizing Curry’s role as a leader and a source of confidence for the team.
Defensively, the Warriors made significant adjustments to contain Rockets’ standout Jalen Green, limiting him to just nine points after a strong showing in Game 2. Kerr attributed this to a more aggressive approach, which allowed the team to reduce the space Green typically enjoyed. This defensive tenacity was reflected in the Warriors’ ability to secure 10 offensive rebounds and outscore the Rockets in second-chance points, a statistic Kerr highlighted as a key to their victory.
The performance of Gary Payton II also stood out, as Kerr reflected on his roller-coaster season and contributions to the team’s success. He noted Payton’s defensive prowess and ability to make crucial plays, especially in the fourth quarter when the game was on the line. Such performances underline the importance of depth and the need for players to step up in the playoffs, particularly when key players are sidelined.
Kerr also touched on Butler’s presence on the bench, calling him a valuable source of insight and support despite not being on the court. Butler’s leadership in guiding teammates through his observations was acknowledged as crucial, showcasing the importance of mental fortitude in addition to physical readiness.
Looking ahead, Kerr confirmed that Butler is day-to-day, indicating that his return could bolster the team heading into Game 4. The Warriors’ ability to win without Butler speaks volumes about their depth and resilience, as they continue to navigate the challenges of the playoffs. Kerr’s strategic adjustments and the emergence of role players not only secured a crucial win but also solidify the team’s confidence as they aim for another championship run.