Late-Game Heroics by Butler Seal Victory Jimmy Butler, playing through a pelvic contusion that sidelined him in Game 3, delivered a masterclass in clutch performance. The Warriors forward scored 14 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter, including three free throws with 58.7 seconds left and a game-sealing rebound with 4 seconds remaining. His 12-for-12 free-throw shooting and poise under pressure lifted Golden State to a 109-106 win over the Houston Rockets, giving the seventh-seeded Warriors a commanding 3-1 series lead.
“I thought it was winning time,” Butler said postgame. “Doing certain things that the team needed me to do to help win finally” .
**Key Performances**
1. **Brandin Podziemski’s Breakout Night**: The second-year guard erupted for a playoff career-high 26 points, including six three-pointers. His scoring kept the Warriors afloat during Houston’s surges, particularly during an 18-1 third-quarter run that shifted momentum.
2. **Curry’s Supporting Role**: Stephen Curry (17 points) took a backseat, deferring to Podziemski and Butler. His unselfish play allowed Golden State to diversify its attack, a strategy praised by coach Steve Kerr.
3. **Sengun’s Valiant Effort**: Houston’s Alperen Şengun dominated with 31 points and 10 rebounds, but his potential game-tying hook shot over Draymond Green with 6.4 seconds left rimmed out, sealing the Rockets’ fate.
**Physicality and Controversy**
The game devolved into chaos with multiple altercations:
– **Second-Quarter Scuffles**: Technical fouls were assessed to Draymond Green, Steph Curry, and Dillon Brooks after Brooks hip-checked Curry and tried to swipe the ball from him. Later, Green’s Flagrant 1 foul on Tari Eason—where he pinned Eason’s neck with his leg—nearly led to an ejection.
– **Free-Throw Disparity**: Houston missed 12 free throws (19/31), a recurring issue in their road losses. Golden State capitalized, shooting 15/16 from the line.
– **Jalen Green’s Struggles**: Houston’s regular-season scoring leader was benched late, finishing with 8 points and 5 turnovers. His poor body language and defensive lapses drew criticism.
### **Turning Points**
– **Third-Quarter Surge**: Golden State opened the second half with an 18-1 run, fueled by Podziemski’s sharpshooting and Houston’s 0-for-6 shooting slump.
– **Buddy Hield’s Clutch Three**: Hield’s sidestep three-pointer with 3:18 left gave the Warriors their first lead in six minutes, part of his 15-point contribution.
– **Defensive Stand**: With the game tied at 104, Draymond Green stifled Şengun’s final shot attempt, allowing Butler to secure the rebound and ice the game at the line.
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What’s Next
The Warriors head to Houston for Game 5 on Wednesday, April 30, with a chance to close out the series. Only 13 teams in NBA history have overcome a 3-1 deficit, and the Rockets face an uphill battle without consistent scoring beyond Şengun and Fred VanVleet (25 points, 8 three-pointers).
**Steve Kerr’s Take**: “Jimmy really carried us in the fourth. It’s the playoffs, and he’s Jimmy Butler” .
**Series Schedule**:
– Game 5: Warriors @ Rockets | April 30, 7:30 PM ET | TNT
