Rockets vs. Warriors NBA Playoff News: Game 4 Recap and Series Update

The Golden State Warriors have taken a commanding 3-1 lead over the Houston Rockets in their first-round NBA playoff series, following a thrilling 109-106 victory in Game 4 on April 28, 2025, at Chase Center in San Francisco. This series, pitting the veteran-laden Warriors against the young and scrappy Rockets, has been marked by intense physicality, standout performances, and significant injury concerns. Here’s a recap of Game 4 and the latest updates as the series heads to Houston for Game 5.

Game 4: Warriors Edge Out Rockets in a Tight Contest

Game 4 was a back-and-forth battle that showcased the resilience of both teams. The Warriors, bolstered by the return of Jimmy Butler, who missed Game 3 due to a pelvic contusion, leaned on their star power and playoff experience to secure the win. Butler, despite playing through an injured tailbone, delivered a stellar performance with 27 points, including 14 in the crucial fourth quarter, six assists, and a massive defensive rebound that helped seal the game.

Stephen Curry, while not as dominant as his 36-point Game 3 outburst, contributed 17 points, though he struggled from beyond the arc, going 2-for-8 on three-pointers. Brandin Podziemski stepped up with 26 points, including eight in a pivotal third-quarter run, while Buddy Hield and Quinten Post added 15 and 13 points, respectively, off the bench. Draymond Green, despite foul trouble, made NBA history with his defensive prowess and came up with a critical stop on Houston’s Alperen Sengun in the final seconds.

For the Rockets, Fred VanVleet was a standout, hitting eight three-pointers, including a clutch shot to tie the game late in the fourth. Sengun contributed 31 points and 10 rebounds but was limited to four points in the final minutes, partly due to Green’s defense. Jalen Green, who exploded for 38 points in Game 2, was quieter in Game 4, as the Warriors’ trapping defense continued to disrupt his rhythm. Houston’s poor free-throw shooting (19-of-31) and missed opportunities down the stretch proved costly.

The Warriors opened the third quarter with an 18-1 run, flipping a seven-point halftime deficit into a 68-58 lead, but Houston battled back, tying the game multiple times in the fourth. In the end, Butler’s free throws after drawing a foul on a three-point attempt and Green’s defensive stand on Sengun’s final shot gave Golden State the edge.

Key Storylines

Jimmy Butler’s Gritty Return

Butler’s status was a major question mark heading into Game 4, as he was listed as questionable with a pelvic contusion sustained in Game 2 after a hard fall caused by an inadvertent collision with Rockets’ Amen Thompson. Despite the injury, Butler started and played significant minutes, earning praise from analysts for his toughness. Warriors coach Steve Kerr noted Butler’s “humongous” effort, and his clutch performance in the fourth quarter put Golden State one win away from the Western Conference semifinals.

Draymond Green’s Defensive Impact and Historical Night

Draymond Green’s defensive versatility was on full display, as he navigated foul trouble and avoided ejection after chippy interactions with Houston’s Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason. Green’s stop on Sengun’s potential game-winning jumper was a defining moment, and his performance earned him a place in NBA history, though specific details of the record were not outlined in reports. Social media buzzed with clips of Green’s defensive highlights, with the Warriors’ official account calling him a “world-class defender.”

Rockets’ Physicality and Free-Throw Struggles

Houston’s physical style has made this series increasingly chippy, with tensions flaring between players like Green, Brooks, and Jalen Green. The Rockets outshot the Warriors from the field (49.4% to 41.9%) and on three-pointers (47.8% to 37%), but their 61.3% free-throw shooting and 47-33 rebounding disadvantage hurt their chances. Houston’s young core, led by Sengun and VanVleet, showed resilience, but their inexperience showed in critical moments.

Series Outlook

With a 3-1 lead, the Warriors are in a strong position to close out the series in Game 5 on April 30, 2025, in Houston (7:30 p.m. ET). Historically, teams that win Game 3 when a series is tied 1-1 win the series 74.2% of the time, giving Golden State a statistical edge. However, the Rockets’ home crowd and their ability to bounce back, as seen in Game 2, make them a dangerous opponent.

The Warriors’ championship pedigree, led by Curry, Green, and Butler, has been a deciding factor, but Houston’s youth and physicality could extend the series if they capitalize on their home court. Game 5 will air nationally on TNT, and fans can stream it via services like Fubo or Max.

What’s Next?

As the series shifts back to Houston, all eyes will be on Butler’s health, Green’s ability to stay out of foul trouble, and whether the Rockets can rediscover their Game 2 form. For the Warriors, a win in Game 5 would advance them to face the winner of another Western Conference series, while Houston faces an uphill battle to force a Game 6 in San Francisco.

Stay tuned for more updates as the 2025 NBA playoffs continue to deliver high-stakes drama!

FAQ: Rockets vs. Warriors NBA Playoff Series

Q: What was the final score of Game 4 between the Rockets and Warriors?
A: The Golden State Warriors won Game 4 against the Houston Rockets with a close score of 109-106 on April 28, 2025, at Chase Center in San Francisco.

Q: What is the current series score?
A: The Warriors lead the series 3-1 after their Game 4 victory.

Q: Who were the standout players in Game 4?
A: For the Warriors, Jimmy Butler led with 27 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, while Brandin Podziemski added 26 points. Draymond Green was crucial defensively. For the Rockets, Fred VanVleet hit eight three-pointers, and Alperen Sengun had 31 points and 10 rebounds.

Q: Is Jimmy Butler injured, and will he play in Game 5?
A: Butler played through a pelvic contusion in Game 4 after missing Game 3. While he was listed as questionable, he started and performed well. His status for Game 5 on April 30, 2025, hasn’t been confirmed, but his participation in Game 4 suggests he’s likely to play unless there’s a setback.

Q: Why has the series been so physical?
A: The Rockets’ physical style, led by players like Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason, has clashed with the Warriors’ veteran savvy, particularly Draymond Green. This has led to chippy moments, technical fouls, and intense battles, especially in the paint and on rebounds.

Q: What happened with Draymond Green in Game 4?
A: Green navigated foul trouble and avoided ejection despite heated exchanges with Houston players. He made a game-saving defensive stop on Alperen Sengun’s final shot and achieved an unspecified NBA historical milestone with his defensive performance.

Q: When and where is Game 5, and how can I watch it?
A: Game 5 is scheduled for April 30, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET in Houston at the Toyota Center. It will air nationally on TNT and can be streamed via services like Fubo or Max.

Q: Can the Rockets come back from a 3-1 deficit?
A: While it’s challenging, it’s not impossible. The Rockets would need to win Game 5 at home, Game 6 in San Francisco, and a potential Game 7 back in Houston. Their strong Game 2 performance shows they’re capable, but they’ll need to improve free-throw shooting and rebounding to overcome the Warriors’ experience.

Q: What’s at stake in Game 5?
A: A Warriors win would end the series and advance them to the Western Conference semifinals. A Rockets win would force a Game 6 in San Francisco, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Q: Where can I find more updates on the series?
A: Follow NBA.com, ESPN, or the official Warriors and Rockets social media accounts on X for real-time updates. You can also check streaming platforms like Fubo for post-game analysis and highlights.

If you have more questions or need specific details about the Rockets vs. Warriors series, let me know!