Tue Apr 29 03:40:00 UTC 2025: **Warriors Edge Rockets in Heated Game 4, Take 3-1 Series Lead**
SAN FRANCISCO — Jimmy Butler’s clutch free throws and rebound secured a 109-106 victory for the Golden State Warriors over the Houston Rockets in a fiercely contested Game 4 on Monday night. The win gives the Warriors a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series.
Butler, returning from a pelvic injury, led the Warriors with 27 points. Brandin Podziemski added 26, while Stephen Curry contributed 17 in a thrilling finish. Buddy Hield’s go-ahead three-pointer with 3:32 remaining proved crucial.
The Rockets, despite Alperen Sengun’s 31 points and 10 rebounds and Fred VanVleet’s 25 points, including a game-tying three-pointer, couldn’t overcome the Warriors’ late-game execution. VanVleet’s last-second three-point attempt fell short.
The game was marked by intense physicality, resulting in four technical fouls and a flagrant 1 foul in the second quarter alone. Altercations involving Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Dillon Brooks escalated tensions, highlighting the series’ competitive spirit. Green received a Flagrant 1 foul for a push on Tari Eason.
The series now shifts to Houston for Game 5 on Wednesday, where the seventh-seeded Warriors will aim to eliminate the second-seeded Rockets on their home court.
First Piper 