Rockets vs. Warriors Game 4: 5 Takeaways from Jimmy Butler’s Triumphant Return

The Golden State Warriors’ 109–106 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series was more than just another close contest. It was a narrative-driven thriller defined by the return of one of the league’s most hardened competitors: Jimmy Butler. After sitting out Game 3 with a pelvic contusion, Butler returned to deliver a masterclass in grit, composure, and timing. His performance not only turned the tide in Game 4 but also may have shifted the trajectory of the series.

Here are five major takeaways from Butler’s return and the pulsating events that unfolded during Game 4:

Stats don’t lie—27 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line—but they only tell half the story. Butler wasn’t just productive; he was surgical in execution, especially when the Warriors needed him most.

After a quiet first half, in which he looked like a player still testing the limits of his body, Butler erupted for 23 second-half points, including 14 in the fourth quarter. It wasn’t just the volume; it was the when and how. He nailed mid-range jumpers in isolation, drew fouls on reckless closeouts, and converted all five of his free throws in the game’s final two minutes—every one under the pressure of a roaring Chase Center crowd and a desperate Rockets team.

Even more impressive was the efficiency. Butler wasn’t forcing shots. His 8-of-13 shooting underscored a patient, methodical approach—reading the floor, attacking mismatches, and never rushing the offense.

Butler’s body language was vintage: stoic, intense, and unshakeable. After hitting a fadeaway jumper with just over a minute left to put Golden State up by three, he gave nothing away—no fist pump, no trash talk. Just a walk back on defense and a stare that said, “I’m not done.”

Golden State didn’t just get a player back; they got their emotional core, their late-game compass, and a hardened playoff killer. That changed everything.

As flashy as Golden State can be on offense, it’s their defensive identity that’s defined their dynasty. That identity had been shaky through the first three games of this series, but in Game 4, it snapped back into place—especially in the final minutes.

Led by Draymond Green, the Warriors made multiple high-IQ plays to stymie the Rockets down the stretch. With under 30 seconds left, Houston ran a pick-and-roll with Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet—something that had hurt Golden State all night. But Green iced the screen, rotated perfectly, and forced a tough contested floater from VanVleet, which missed. Seconds later, he stripped Sengun in a post-up situation that looked like a sure two points.

Klay Thompson also deserves credit. While his shooting remained cold (just 2-of-9 from three), his perimeter defense on Jalen Green was tight, switching seamlessly with Gary Payton II to limit Green’s driving lanes.

The Warriors don’t need to be the best defensive team every night—they just need to be good in the moments that matter. In Game 4, they executed with near-flawless precision when it counted most.

Let’s be clear: the Rockets didn’t lose Game 4 because they played poorly. In many ways, they played well enough to win.

Alperen Sengun was a monster—31 points, 10 rebounds, and a growing highlight reel of Euro-steps, baby hooks, and creative passes. His footwork and decision-making continue to mature, and he looks increasingly like a franchise cornerstone.

Fred VanVleet, too, showed why Houston signed him to a veteran deal. He poured in 25 points and hit eight three-pointers, some of which came from deep range and under heavy contest. He was the floor general, keeping the team organized and spacing clean.

But Houston’s biggest enemy was execution in crunch time. In the final 90 seconds, they missed two open threes, turned the ball over once, and failed to box out on a critical missed free throw. These are the kinds of mistakes that get magnified in the postseason—and ones that experienced teams like the Warriors are built to exploit.

Still, this young Rockets team fought. They were not intimidated by the moment, and they have the kind of foundation—athleticism, shooting, and interior skill—that could make them a true contender within the next two years.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr made a calculated gamble by re-inserting Jimmy Butler into the starting lineup with no minute restriction. Butler had been listed as questionable just 24 hours before tipoff, and many expected a managed return. Instead, Kerr went all-in—and was rewarded for his trust.

Kerr also adjusted his rotations to maximize defensive versatility. He used a three-guard lineup (Curry, Payton II, Thompson) with Butler and Green to trap the Rockets’ ball-handlers and close out on shooters. This group allowed just six points in the final five minutes.

Offensively, Kerr let Butler operate from the elbow and mid-post, especially late in the fourth. The spacing was clean, the cuts were well-timed, and Kerr avoided the mistake of letting Curry ISO when he was clearly struggling (just 1-of-6 from three). It was a rare night when Curry was off—and Kerr knew exactly when to shift the burden to Butler.

Coaches often get criticized when plans fail. Kerr deserves credit for his bold calls when they worked.

Now facing a 3–1 deficit, the Houston Rockets return home to try and save their season in Game 5. The question isn’t about talent—they have plenty. The question is whether this team can refocus, respond, and evolve under pressure.

If you’re head coach Ime Udoka, you’re emphasizing one thing above all: late-game composure. The Rockets have shown that they can hang with Golden State for 45 minutes. But until they can out-execute the Warriors in the final three, the series will remain lopsided in outcome.

Expect the Rockets to come out with more aggressive double-teams on Butler, especially late. They’ll likely push the pace more and look to get Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. more involved, both of whom were relatively quiet in Game 4.

On the flip side, the Warriors have the advantage of experience and rhythm. If they can ride the Butler momentum and close the series out on the road, they’ll give themselves precious rest before the second round—something they’ve always valued during their dynastic runs.