Curry too hot for Rockets

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Stephen Curry spearheaded the Golden State Warriors challenge as he hit seven straight shots, including a pair of 3-pointers, in a third-quarter flurry to steamroll a hapless Houston Rockets 126-85 in Game 3 of NBA's Western Conference finals in Oakland, Calif on Sunday night.

After bagging a meagre total of 34 points in the first two games of the series, Curry led the charge from the word go and exploded for 35 points in 34 minutes, guiding the Warriors into a 2-1 lead over the top-seeded Rockets in the best-of-seven series.

Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors scores on a layup against the Houston Rockets during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena. /VCG Photo

Kevin Durant had 25 points, while teammate Draymond Green had a game-high 17 rebounds to complement 10 points, as the Warriors rebounded from a 127-105 defeat on Wednesday in Game 2 in Houston. The Warriors have lost three games in their three series this postseason, and have rebounded to win the next contest by a combined 65 points.

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a play against the Houston Rockets during Game Three. /VCG Photo

“That's what I expected to do, but just like my approach after every game is you don't get too high after highs, don't get too low after lows." A jubilant Curry said after his side’s emphatic victory. “Obviously thankful to hit some shots tonight, eventually.”

Meanwhile, the Warriors head coach Steve Kerr mentioned: “Tonight was all about defense and taking care of the ball.”

“That's it. When we defend at that level and take care of the ball, we're usually in pretty good shape.” Interestingly, the 41-point margin of defeat was the largest in the Rockets' post-season history.

Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night, also in Oakland.

(With input from Reuters)