Red-hot Curry takes Golden State closer to NBA Finals

The Golden State Warriors are one victory away from the NBA Finals after routing the Houston Rockets 115-80 in Game Three of the Western Conference finals.

Guard Stephen Curry scored 40 points, including seven-of-nine from three-point range, in the Warriors’ near-record road victory that gave them a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

It was the second largest victory margin by a visiting team in the conference finals.

Golden State, who have not been to the NBA finals since 1975, can close out the series in Game Four in Houston on Monday. No team has ever lost a best-of-seven playoff series from 3-0 up.

After giving the Warriors a close contest in the first two games, the Rockets were never in the hunt on Saturday as guard James Harden struggled against Golden State’s stifling defense. He shot only three-for-16 for 17 points.

As brilliantly as Curry played, the Warriors won the match with their strong defense and dominance on the boards, out-rebounding Houston 60-39.

Curry, this season’s NBA Most Valuable Player, sounded unfazed by his latest performance.

“The ball movement tonight was the best it’s been all series so when you can get a few (shots) to go down early in the game it builds your confidence even more,” he said.