In a dazzling display, Stephen Curry netted 36 points to propel the Golden State Warriors past the Houston Rockets 104-93, securing a 2-1 lead in their playoff series and inching closer to NBA history.

With his impressive performance, Curry not only led his team to victory but also climbed to 10th place on the NBA’s all-time playoff scoring list, proving that age is just a number when you have a shooting hand like his. The Warriors’ dominance in Game 3 marks their sixth consecutive win in opening round matchups, with Game 4 looming on the horizon at Chase Center, where they'll look to strengthen their lead and possibly extend Curry’s historic playoff scoring spree while hoping Jimmy Butler's pelvic injury doesn't sideline the intensity.

Curry's evening was nothing short of iconic; he logged nearly 41 minutes on the court, which is roughly the equivalent of being a contestant on a reality show where the challenge is just to run around and hope you don’t get voted off. With Curry drawing defensive attention like a magnet for every fan wearing his jersey, one could question if the Rockets even remembered to take their eyes off him. But alas, that wasn’t the only story unfolding on the hardwood in this riveting matchup.

Joining Curry in the spotlight was Gary Payton II, who made a noteworthy postseason debut, sending a clear message that he wasn’t just there to soak up the ambiance. He scored a career-high of 16 points, including nine pivotal points in the fourth quarter that proved instrumental to the game’s outcome. It seems Payton II took it upon himself to channel his inner clutch player — we can only assume he practiced a little extra hard during his shifts at the gym.

Conversely, Buddy Hield had a stellar night off the bench, providing 17 points bolstered by five 3-pointers that could have easily been confused for a firework show with all that flare. Each shot he sank was like a slow clap urging his team to keep the momentum rolling, highlighting the team's depth in a time when every point counts. But while the Warriors' bench was thriving, one wonders how the Rockets might have fared had Jimmy Butler not been sidelined with his injury resembling something out of a dramatic sports documentary — a pelvic injury combined with a deep gluteal muscle contusion. Even a fictional character would roll their eyes at that plot twist.

As the game unfolded, the Warriors found themselves on a rollercoaster ride during the first half. After a slow start in the first quarter, wherein Curry possibly contemplated waking up or perhaps even having a mid-game snack, he exploded with 13 points in the second. It's as if he told the Rockets, 'Oh, you thought it was snack time? No, let’s make this a full-course meal.' Nevertheless, the Rockets weren't completely out of the water—Dillon Brooks managed to showcase his defensive skills until he fouled out late in the game, proving that even the best-laid defense can fall apart faster than a paper mache model in the rain.

The Warriors’ six consecutive victories in Game 3s of the opening round signify an itch for sustained success, combined with their little footnote of history as they inch closer to that elusive playoff magic. While Curry’s offensive prowess steals the headlines, you really have to admire the team’s collective effort that allowed them to play not just as individuals but as—dare I say—a cohesive unit, like cars in a well-coordinated train.

With expectations set high, all eyes will be glued to Game 4 on Monday night at Chase Center, where every dribble, shot, and rebound will be scrutinized more than an interview at a prestigious job fair. Will the Warriors continue to assert their dominance, leading the series 2-1, and add another chapter to Curry’s playoff legacy? Or will the Rockets come back with a vengeance? Only time will tell, but we do know that there will be plenty of popcorn consumed, and fingers crossed that it’s more theatrical than tragic.

In the thrilling world of NBA playoffs, every statistic tells a story, and every game adds a line to Curry's growing legend. As the series continues, fans await the saga with both anticipation and mild hilarity, watching how the injuries and triumphs continue to unfold much like a well-worn NBA script, with one prime rule: never count out a team while they’re still on the court. With Curry at the helm, it seems the Warriors and their fans have every reason to believe that the magic is indeed sustainable.