The Golden State Warriors welcomed Jimmy Butler back with open arms as they were ready to take control of the series.
Unfortunately for the Warriors, the Houston Rockets were ready for a fight. The two teams remained close for most of the first half, with the Warriors’ biggest lead being 12 early in the first and seven for the Rockets late in the second quarter.
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The game continued to be close for the rest of the way, with all the physicality to match. This is especially true of Butler, who clearly was still upset about the injury he suffered in Game 2.
Butler was seen jawing with Dillon Brooks throughout the game. He also fouled Brooks hard on a chase-down fast break.
Jimmy Butler not holding anything back against Brooks https://t.co/TQj6IuwXN2 pic.twitter.com/E8EADxk8Db
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) April 29, 2025
Down the stretch of the game, it was Butler who came up big. He scored some big buckets, and played solid defense. Butler also hit three clutch free-throws after being fouled with less than a minute to go, breaking the tie and giving Golden State a three point lead. After Draymond Green forced Alperen Sengun into a tough shot with under five seconds left in the game, it was Butler who grabbed the huge defensive rebound.
Of course, “Playoff Jimmy” iced the game with the final two free-throws, giving the Warriors the 109-106 victory. Butler led the Warriors with 27 points, while Brandin Podziemski had a great game scoring 26.
Stephen Curry had a quiet night to his standards. He scored 17 on 6-13 shooting and 2-8 from three. Ultimately, Curry is happy his Warriors got the Game 4 victory, now leading the series 3-1.
Game 5 is this Wednesday at 7:30 PM EST.
