Steph Curry delivered a spectacular performance in a pivotal playoff game, despite the absence of his co-star Jimmy Butler. With the Houston Rockets leading by three points at halftime and defending Curry aggressively, he responded with a heroic second half, scoring 21 points post-intermission and finishing with a total of 36 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, a steal, and two blocks. His defensive prowess was highlighted by an impressive block on Fred VanVleet, leading to a fast-break score. The Warriors attempted a new lineup strategy due to Butler's absence, but ultimately relied on Curry's brilliance to secure a 2-1 series lead. At 37, Curry made history as the oldest player to achieve a playoff game with at least 30 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five three-pointers, reinforcing his status as one of the NBA's greatest players.

Steph Curry played a phenomenal game against the Houston Rockets, scoring 36 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out nine assists, despite the absence of Jimmy Butler, his key teammate.

The Golden State Warriors trailed by three points at halftime, but Curry's explosive 21-point second half propelled them to a 2-1 series lead.

Curry's defensive skills were on display with a rare two blocks, including a notable play where he denied Fred VanVleet and facilitated a fast-break score.

The Warriors experimented with their lineup due to Butler's absence, yet found success by ultimately allowing Curry to lead the charge with his exceptional play.

Curry's performance also marked a milestone as he surpassed Tony Parker for the 10th spot on the all-time playoff scoring list, showcasing his enduring excellence.

At 37 years old, Curry became the oldest player to record a playoff game with at least 30 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five three-pointers, solidifying his legendary status.

Golden State's reliance on Curry's individual brilliance underscored the necessity of Butler's return for the team's championship aspirations, yet highlighted Curry's ability to carry the team in critical moments.

Stephen Curry has played more magnificent games than you could count.

But if you're counting, you better add this one to the list.

With Warriors co-star Jimmy Butler out and the Rockets subsequently guarding Curry as tightly and physically as possible, he delivered a heroic second half to stake Golden State to a 2-1 series lead.

Houston led the game by three points at halftime.

Then Curry went for 21 points after the intermission.

He finished with 36 points (12-23 FG, 5-13 3FG, 7-8 FT) to go with seven rebounds, nine assists, a steal and two blocks.

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It's not often Curry winds up with two blocks, and one was a brilliant defensive play to deny Fred VanVleet before tipping the ball to himself and throwing a touchdown pass to Buddy Hield for a layup.

Golden State switched up its starting lineup with Butler out, bringing in Jonathan Kuminga and Quentin Post while also bringing Moses Moody off the bench.

It wasn't overly successful, as Kuminga played just 17 minutes and ended up losing most of his time to Moody, Hield and Gary Payton II.

Eventually, the Warriors figured out it was one of those nights they should just give it to Curry and get out of the way.

On the night Curry passed Tony Parker to move into 10th on the all-time playoff scoring list, he proved once again that he's one of the best players in NBA history.

At 37 years old, Curry became the oldest player in NBA history to have a playoff game with at least 30 points, five rebounds, five assists and five threes, according to StatMamba.

He scored or assisted on 57 of the Warriors' 104 points.

Steph Curry in Game 3 win:

36 PTS
9 AST
7 REB
12-23 FG
5-13 3FG

Curry scored or assisted on 57 of Warriors' 104 points.pic.twitter.com/j0y28yFyQv

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 27, 2025

Golden State will likely need Butler back to contend for the biggest prizes.

But it turns out even without him, the legendary Curry can still cook on his own enough to win a hotly contested playoff game against a superior seed.

You never know when a Curry bonanza is coming. You just have to pay witness and appreciate it when it does.

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