SAN FRANCISCO — Jimmy Butler made a triumphant return from injury, delivering 27 points in a clutch performance to help the Golden State Warriors edge the Houston Rockets 109-106 in a fiery Game 4 on Monday night. With the win, the Warriors took a commanding 3-1 series lead in their first-round playoff matchup.
Butler’s Clutch Return
After missing Game 3 with a pelvic contusion and deep gluteal bruise—suffered on a hard foul in Game 2—Butler returned with a vengeance. He sealed the victory with three crucial free throws with 58.7 seconds left, then grabbed the game-clinching rebound with four seconds remaining before sinking two more foul shots. His leadership and poise down the stretch proved vital in Golden State’s narrow escape.
Warriors Survive Rockets’ Late Push
Houston refused to go quietly. Alperen Şengün (31 points, 10 rebounds) and Fred VanVleet (25 points) kept the Rockets in striking distance late. VanVleet even tied the game with a three-pointer at 1:20, but Butler’s composure at the line and Brandin Podziemski’s 26-point outburst ensured Golden State held on. Stephen Curry (17 points) and Buddy Hield (15 points, go-ahead three-pointer) also contributed in the frantic finish.
Tempers Flare in Chippy Contest
The game was far from smooth, featuring four technical fouls and a Flagrant 1 in a heated second quarter. The tension peaked when:
- Draymond Green and Dillon Brooks exchanged shoves after a hard screen, leading to double technicals.
- Green later received a Flagrant 1 for shoving Tari Eason’s face to the floor during a loose-ball scramble.
Despite the physicality, the Warriors kept their cool when it mattered most.
What’s Next?
The series shifts back to Houston for Game 5 on Wednesday night, where the 7th-seeded Warriors will look to close out the 2nd-seeded Rockets on their home floor. With Butler back in form and Golden State’s role players stepping up, Houston faces a must-win scenario to keep their season alive.
Key Stats:
- Butler: 27 PTS, 7/12 FG, 40 MIN
- Podziemski: 26 PTS (Playoff career-high)
- Şengün: 31 PTS, 10 REB (Rockets’ standout)
Can the Rockets force a Game 6, or will Golden State advance?
For more worldwide updated news visit apexadpros or for sports content checkout to sports.apexadpros
