The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets 104-93 in a closely contested Game 3, taking a 2-1 series lead. Both teams pushed hard throughout, but Golden State’s key moments sealed the victory.
As the game ended, the drama continued off the court. Draymond Green of the Warriors and Jalen Green of the Rockets had a brief, heated exchange as they made their way to the locker rooms. Here’s what happened.
The Feud Continues Between Draymond Green and Jalen Green
The tension between Draymond and Jalen isn’t new. In Game 2, with under eight minutes left and the Rockets leading by double digits, Jalen ran into Draymond while fighting for space.
In the ensuing scuffle, Jalen threw an elbow to Draymond’s face. Initially, the play was called a personal foul on Jalen, but after further review, the call was upgraded to a flagrant-1 foul.
Fast forward to Game 3, and the drama continued as the two exchanged words postgame while making their way to the locker rooms. The situation quickly escalated, but fortunately, players from both teams intervened, and things seemed to settle down.
Draymond and Jalen Green getting into it postgame 👀 🍿pic.twitter.com/pN9N5JwyTV
— Kyrie Center (@kyriecenterig) April 27, 2025
This incident was the latest chapter in an ongoing playoff feud between the two players. This rivalry is far from over, and the intensity is likely to increase as the series progresses.
Draymond, who had a relatively quiet night with just seven points, four assists, and eight rebounds in 34 minutes, seemed to keep his cool despite the postgame tension. On the other hand, Jalen Green, who had been the hero for the Rockets in Game 2 with a massive 38-point performance, struggled in Game 3.
He scored only nine points, along with five assists and six rebounds, falling short of his usual impactful play. This game marked a shift in momentum for both players, highlighting how quickly things can change in the postseason.
Warriors Pulled a Close Victory To Lead 2–1 in the Series
Despite the Rockets taking an early lead in the first quarter, edging out the Warriors 22-18, Golden State quickly regained control. From the second quarter onward, the Warriors maintained the lead, keeping the pressure on Houston with their signature fast-paced play.
The absence of Jimmy Butler III, who has been a crucial player for Golden State, did not derail the Warriors. Instead, they rallied around their star player, Stephen Curry, to pull off the win.
Curry had a standout performance, finishing with 36 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists in 40 minutes. He shot an impressive 52.2% from the field, hitting 12 of 23 attempts, and nailed five of 13 three-pointers, which amounts to a solid 38.5%. Curry’s timely baskets were crucial to the Warriors’ success, especially during tight moments when the Rockets looked to rally.
His nine assists also demonstrated his playmaking ability, helping facilitate Golden State’s offense and ensuring smooth ball movement throughout the game. His leadership on both ends of the floor was a big reason the Warriors could come out on top in such a closely contested game.
Game 4 of this exciting series will tip off on Monday, April 28, at the Chase Center. The Warriors will be looking to extend their lead, but the Rockets will certainly aim to bounce back with a vengeance. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling continuation of this highly competitive series.