San Francisco, Calif. — The Golden State Warriors edged the Houston Rockets 109-106 in Game 4 of their playoff series on Monday night, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven matchup. As the series unfolds, questions arise regarding the Rockets’ second-seed ranking in contrast to the Warriors’ playoff experience.
The Warriors showed a blend of veteran poise and youthful energy, largely spurred on by Jimmy Butler’s late-game heroics. Butler, who had missed Game 3 due to a pelvic contusion, made his presence felt with 27 points, scoring 23 of those in the second half. With the game on the line, he sank three critical free throws following a foul on Dillon Brooks, solidifying the Warriors’ lead.
The gap between the two teams was palpable as the seasoned Warriors demonstrated why they have been a perennial playoff team. Conversely, the Rockets, who entered the postseason via the SoFi Play-In Tournament, are learning the hard lessons that come with playoff basketball.
One critical aspect of the game was the performance of Draymond Green, who despite facing foul trouble, made his presence known defensively. After receiving a technical foul in the first half, Green played the final minutes with five fouls, yet remained composed during clutch moments. He effectively challenged Alperen Sengun, the Rockets’ standout scorer, who finished the night with 31 points. Green’s ability to execute key stops under pressure highlights his reputation as one of the league’s elite defenders.
On the opposite end of the spectrum was Jalen Green, whose struggles continued. The Rockets’ leading scorer this season, with only eight points on 3-for-8 shooting, he found himself on the bench late in the game—a telling decision from coach Ime Udoka. Green’s lack of impact has been a significant concern as he has fallen short in the clutch, failing to elevate his performance consistently throughout the series.
Amid the roller-coaster performances, Brandin Podziemski stood out for Golden State, scoring 26 points after averaging just eight in the previous games. His ability to hit six three-pointers provided a much-needed boost, keeping the Warriors competitive when other stars struggled. Showcasing a growing confidence, Podziemski has quickly proven he is ready for the playoff intensity.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry’s role shifted in this game as he took a backseat to others, managing to put in only 12 shots and prioritize team play. This willingness to defer shows his understanding that for the Warriors to advance deep into the playoffs, they need multiple players to step up.
As the series progresses, the Rockets will need to regroup and learn quickly, with time running short in their championship pursuit. The nuances of playoff basketball are becoming increasingly clear, and it remains to be seen if the young Rockets can adapt effectively to sustain their season.
Every matchup and every game during these playoffs reinforces the importance of experience, teamwork, and the ability to thrive under pressure. For the Warriors and their loyal fans, the latest victory has only heightened anticipation for what lies ahead.