Date: April 28, 2025
Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
The Golden State Warriors pulled off a gritty 109โ106 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series, taking a 3โ1 lead and placing Houston on the brink of elimination. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the game and what lies ahead.
๐ฅ Key Game Highlights
- ๐น Jimmy Butler IIIโs Clutch Performance
- Returned from pelvic contusion.
- Scored 27 points, including 14 in the 4th quarter.
- Went 12-for-12 on free throws, including the game-winners.
- Displayed leadership and control in crunch time.
- ๐ฏ Brandin Podziemski Ignites Offense
- Scored 26 points, hitting 6 three-pointers.
- Gave the Warriors key offensive bursts throughout the game.
- ๐ Stephen Curryโs Quiet but Steady Night
- Played through a thumb splint.
- Finished with 17 points and 5 assists.
- Hit timely shots despite limited shooting rhythm.
- ๐ Rocketsโ Strong Individual Efforts
- Alperen ลengรผn: 31 points, 10 rebounds, kept the Rockets alive in the paint.
- Fred VanVleet: 25 points, 8-of-11 from three-point range.
- Jalen Green: 14 points, struggled with efficiency (5-of-16 shooting).
โ๏ธ Physicality and Officiating Controversy
The game wasnโt just intense โ it was combative:
- Second-Quarter Scuffle
- Technical fouls on Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Dillon Brooks.
- Crowd erupted after tempers flared and benches nearly cleared.
- Flagrant Foul Drama
- Green received a Flagrant 1 after a rough exchange with Tari Eason.
- Many analysts and fans argued it deserved an ejection.
- Series Total So Far:
- 10 technical fouls issued in 4 games.
- Constant chippiness highlighting the rivalry.
๐ฉบ Injury & Player Availability Report
- Golden State Warriors:
- Jimmy Butler III: Back from injury and expected to remain available.
- Stephen Curry: Playing with a right thumb splint.
- Gary Payton II: Available, wearing a thumb splint.
- Andrew Wiggins: Minutes managed due to lingering soreness.
- Houston Rockets:
- JaeโSean Tate: OUT with right ankle impingement.
- Jock Landale: PROBABLE with knee contusion, played limited minutes.
- Tari Eason: Active and central to physical play.
๐ Whatโs Next โ Game 5 Preview
- ๐๏ธ Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
- ๐ Location: Toyota Center, Houston
- โฐ Time: 6:30 PM PDT / 8:30 PM CDT
- ๐ Stakes: Rockets must win to avoid elimination. Warriors eye a series closeout.
๐ฝ๏ธ Watch the Game 4 Highlights
๐ Final 4:25 WILD ENDING Rockets vs Warriors | April 28, 2025 โ YouTube
๐ Final Word
This series has delivered elite basketball, heated emotions, and unforgettable moments. As the Warriors head to Houston with momentum, the Rockets must regroup fast to keep their playoff hopes alive. Game 5 promises fireworks โ don’t blink.
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