The Golden State Warriors faced the Houston Rockets on Saturday night in Game 3 of their 2024–25 NBA Playoffs first-round series, pulling out a hard-fought victory despite the absence of star forward Jimmy Butler. After the game, Stephen Curry couldn’t resist making a few light-hearted jokes about his sidelined teammate.

Butler’s courtside outfit drew attention during the broadcast, as he was spotted wearing an oversized coat while supporting the team from the bench. Speaking to reporters postgame, Curry poked fun at Butler’s choice of attire.

“I almost didn’t need a hot pack on the sidelines sitting next to him,” Curry joked, via 95.7 The Game on X. The Warriors’ locker room spirits were clearly high after the crucial win, and Butler is expected to return to the lineup for Game 4 as Golden State looks to take a commanding 3–1 series lead heading back to Houston.

Butler, who is still recovering from a pelvic contusion suffered during a hard fall after being undercut by Amen Thompson in Game 2, continues to make his presence felt despite being out of action.

Jimmy Butler looks on

Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors looks on from the bench during the first half in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Chase Center on April 26, 2025 in San Francisco, California.|

Steve Kerr on Curry’s Outstanding Performance

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has witnessed countless postseason heroics from Stephen Curry, but even after all these years, he never tires of watching his superstar rise to the occasion. Kerr delivered high praise for Curry following his performance in Game 3.

“He’s Steph Curry. He’s one of the greatest players of all time. He’s 37 years old. He’s one of the most well-conditioned athletes I’ve ever seen in my life,” Kerr said. “To play 41 minutes against that kind of defense, to have a slow start and then find his rhythm, to hit big shots, to only turn it over twice against that kind of pressure — he was brilliant.”

Kerr compares Butler to Warriors legend

Despite being sidelined, Butler made a significant impact from the bench on Saturday night. His energy, communication, and leadership helped guide the Warriors to victory. After the game, Kerr compared Butler’s basketball IQ and leadership to that of former Warriors veteran Andre Iguodala.

“He had a fantastic coat on. He’s so smart,” Kerr said. “He reminds me so much of Andre Iguodala — an incredible basketball IQ and the ability to communicate what he’s seeing to his teammates from the bench.”