When the stakes were at their highest, Stephen Curry delivered once again. In a game that had playoff intensity from the opening tip, Curry showed why he’s still the greatest shooter to ever play the game, leading the Golden State Warriors to a dominant Game 3 victory and a 2-1 series lead.
The energy at Chase Center was electric from the moment Curry stepped onto the floor. After a back-and-forth start to the series, the Warriors knew they needed a statement performance to seize control, and their leader wasted no time in setting the tone. Curry finished with 38 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, making it clear that he came to play and wasn’t about to let his team fall behind.
It wasn’t just the points that made Curry’s performance special — it was the timing. Every time his team hit a cold streak, Curry stepped up with a big shot to shift the momentum. Whether it was a deep three-pointer from well beyond the arc, a clever floater in the lane, or an assist that led to an easy dunk, Curry had his fingerprints all over every key moment. And as usual, when the game got tight in the fourth quarter, Curry was the one who took control, scoring 10 of his 38 points in the final frame and sinking clutch shots that put the game out of reach.
One of the most impressive aspects of Curry’s game was his ability to get others involved while still maintaining his scoring prowess. The Warriors have always been a team built around ball movement, and Curry embraced that philosophy with ease. His court vision was on full display, as he set up Klay Thompson for crucial buckets and found Draymond Green in the perfect spots to facilitate the offense. Curry knows how to balance being the focal point of the offense with being a distributor, and it was evident in his 7 assists.
But Curry wasn’t the only one who came to play. The entire Warriors roster seemed to rise to the occasion, feeding off Curry’s energy. Klay Thompson, who has sometimes struggled with consistency this postseason, found his rhythm early, scoring 22 points on 50% shooting from beyond the arc. His offensive explosion came at just the right time, helping to create separation and providing Curry with much-needed support.
Draymond Green was once again the heart and soul of the Warriors’ defense, anchoring them with his leadership, defensive IQ, and intensity. His numbers didn’t necessarily jump off the page, but his presence was felt every time his team needed a stop. Green played with the kind of fiery intensity that has become his trademark, riling up the crowd and getting under the skin of the opposition.
Off the bench, the Warriors received valuable contributions from players like Jordan Poole, who hit timely shots and brought much-needed energy, and Kevon Looney, who was a force on the boards. Looney finished with 12 rebounds and provided crucial second-chance opportunities for the Warriors, something that could prove pivotal as the series continues.
While Curry’s brilliance was the centerpiece of the win, the Warriors’ defense was just as important. They were locked in from the start, making sure the opposing offense didn’t get comfortable. Whether it was contesting shots, forcing turnovers, or simply making things difficult in the paint, Golden State played with the kind of defensive urgency that could be the difference-maker in this series.
As the clock wound down and the Warriors sealed the victory, Curry couldn’t hide his smile. This was the performance they needed. After a tough Game 2 loss, it was clear that Curry was ready to put the team on his back and make sure the Warriors didn’t fall into an 1-2 hole. And he did just that.
With the series now 2-1 in favor of Golden State, the Warriors have gained the upper hand, but they know that the road ahead won’t be easy. If Game 3 was any indication, however, the Warriors are poised for a deep postseason run — especially when Curry is playing at the level he’s capable of.
As for Curry, his performance tonight was yet another reminder of why he’s one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Whether he’s draining deep threes or making clutch plays down the stretch, he has a way of taking over games when it matters most. With the Warriors’ series lead now secured, the stage is set for an exciting Game 4 — and if Curry keeps playing like this, the Warriors might just be unstoppable.
#DubNation 💛💙
