The Stage is Set: Warriors and Rockets Meet in a Crucial Game 4
Entering Game 4 of the NBA playoffs, the Golden State Warriors had a 2-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets. This game was pivotal for both teams, with the Warriors looking to take a commanding 3-1 lead and put the Rockets on the brink of elimination, while Houston desperately needed a win to even the series and avoid falling into a 3-1 hole. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, with fans on the edge of their seats, knowing the importance of this matchup.
The game promised to be a highly competitive affair, as the Warriors were coming off a hard-fought victory in Game 3, but the Rockets had shown signs of life with their explosive offense and relentless defensive effort. As the game unfolded, it became clear that this would be no ordinary playoff contest—tempers flared, and physicality was on display throughout, adding to the drama.
The game started with high intensity, as both teams were focused on establishing control early. Houston, playing on their home court, knew they had to come out with a sense of urgency. James Harden, the Rockets’ star, took control early on, showcasing his signature step-back three-pointer and getting to the free-throw line with ease. Houston’s offense looked fluid, and their defense was physical, aiming to stifle the Warriors’ fast-paced game.
Golden State, however, was not to be outdone. Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ two-time MVP, came out firing, hitting a couple of early three-pointers to keep the Rockets on their toes. The Warriors’ ball movement was as sharp as ever, with Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green working in tandem to create open looks. Draymond Green’s leadership on both ends of the court was evident early, as he orchestrated the offense and made his presence felt as a defender.
As the first quarter wore on, the game began to take on a chippy tone. The Rockets’ defensive approach was aggressive, particularly towards Curry, who was getting roughed up off the ball. Houston was not shying away from contact, knowing they needed to push the physical limits to slow down the Warriors’ offense.
Despite the Rockets’ early success, the Warriors’ depth and experience began to shine through. Golden State’s bench, led by Jordan Poole and Andre Iguodala, provided a crucial spark, with Poole hitting timely shots and Iguodala making defensive plays. The first quarter ended with the Rockets holding a slim lead, but the Warriors were right on their heels.
As the second quarter began, it became evident that the Warriors were starting to find their rhythm. The Rockets’ defense, while intense, couldn’t contain the Warriors’ offensive firepower for long. Curry continued to work his magic, weaving through defenders and creating open shots for his teammates. Klay Thompson, who had been quiet in the first quarter, started to heat up, knocking down a few three-pointers and reminding everyone why he is considered one of the best shooters in the NBA.
The physicality picked up a notch in the second quarter, and tensions flared between the two teams. A hard foul by PJ Tucker on Draymond Green led to a brief scuffle, and both teams found themselves in a battle not just for victory but for pride. The referees had their hands full trying to maintain order, but the chippiness only added to the drama of the game. Green, who thrives in these types of environments, responded with a few clutch plays, both defensively and offensively. His ability to facilitate the offense and guard multiple positions was a key factor in the Warriors taking a slight lead heading into halftime.
As the quarter progressed, the Warriors’ offense became more efficient. Golden State’s ball movement, coupled with their unselfish play, was causing havoc for the Rockets’ defense. The Rockets, on the other hand, struggled to find consistent offensive production. Harden, though still playing at an elite level, was getting frustrated by the Warriors’ defensive schemes, which included aggressive double-teams and constant pressure on the ball. The second quarter ended with the Warriors having a narrow lead, but it was clear that the momentum was starting to shift in their favor.
The third quarter has historically been the Warriors’ time to shine, and Game 4 was no exception. After a tight first half, Golden State came out firing in the third quarter, as they often do in playoff games. The Rockets, however, were not going to go down without a fight. Harden began to heat up once again, hitting a few key shots and getting his teammates involved, but the Warriors’ defense was relentless. Green continued to make key stops, and Curry hit a few deep three-pointers that energized the Warriors’ crowd.
The chippiness of the game reached a boiling point in the third quarter. A hard screen set by Kevon Looney on Rockets’ guard Eric Gordon led to an exchange of words between the two, and tensions were once again high. The referees were forced to issue technical fouls on both players, a sign of how physical and emotional the game had become. The Warriors, however, were able to maintain their composure and continue their offensive onslaught, led by Curry and Thompson.
One of the defining moments of the third quarter came when Curry hit a contested three-pointer to push the Warriors’ lead to double digits. The Rockets, despite their best efforts, couldn’t keep up with the Warriors’ scoring barrage, and Golden State’s defense continued to stymie Houston’s offense. The quarter ended with the Warriors holding a commanding lead, but the Rockets were not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
As the fourth quarter began, the Rockets knew that they had to make a final push to stay alive in the series. Harden, who had been relatively quiet in the second half, took over the offensive duties for Houston, scoring a quick five points to cut the Warriors’ lead. The Rockets’ defense stepped up as well, with Tucker and Green locking down on Curry and Thompson, forcing them into tough shots.
However, the Warriors’ depth and experience proved to be too much for the Rockets to overcome. Green made several key plays on both ends of the court, including a crucial steal and a fast-break dunk that silenced the Houston crowd. Curry, ever the clutch performer, hit a deep three-pointer with just over two minutes left, effectively sealing the game for the Warriors. The Rockets continued to fight, but it was clear that they had run out of gas.
In the final minutes, the physicality of the game reached its peak. Players were diving for loose balls, and there were several hard fouls as both teams battled for every possession. But despite the Rockets’ best efforts, the Warriors held firm, with Curry and Green controlling the pace of the game and keeping Houston at arm’s length.
The game ended with the Warriors securing a hard-fought victory, 115-110, and taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. The win was a testament to Golden State’s resilience, depth, and experience, while the Rockets’ inability to execute down the stretch ultimately proved to be their undoing.
Stephen Curry: As expected, Curry was the driving force for the Warriors, finishing the game with 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. His shooting, especially from beyond the arc, was crucial in keeping the Warriors in control of the game. Curry hit several key three-pointers in the second half that helped push the Warriors’ lead and keep the Rockets at bay.
Draymond Green: Green’s performance was vital to the Warriors’ success in Game 4. He finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists, with several crucial defensive plays, including a key steal in the fourth quarter. Green’s leadership and ability to impact the game in multiple areas were on full display, and his presence was felt throughout the contest.
Klay Thompson: Thompson struggled early in the game but found his rhythm in the second half, finishing with 23 points. His shooting was crucial in helping the Warriors maintain their lead and extend their advantage in the second and third quarters.
James Harden: Harden did everything he could to keep the Rockets in the game, finishing with 40 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. However, his efforts weren’t enough as he struggled with turnovers in the second half and found it difficult to break through the Warriors’ defense when it mattered most.
PJ Tucker: Tucker was a physical presence for the Rockets, playing tough defense and providing much-needed rebounding. He finished with 15 points and 8 rebounds, but his impact was limited by the Warriors’ offensive firepower.
With the win in Game 4, the Golden State Warriors have one foot firmly in the next round, taking a 3-1 lead in the series. The game was a microcosm of everything that makes playoff basketball so thrilling: physicality, emotion, and high-level play. The Warriors’ depth and experience were ultimately too much for the Rockets to handle, and now Houston faces an uphill battle to extend their season.
For the Warriors, Game 4 was a statement win, showing that they are a team built for the postseason. Curry’s brilliance, Green’s versatility, and Thompson’s shooting make them a formidable force, and with a 3-1 series lead, they are in prime position to close out the series and move on to the next round. As for the Rockets, they will have to regroup and find a way to fight back in Game 5, though the odds are now stacked against them.
This game was a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the playoffs, and for the Warriors, it was another step toward their ultimate goal: an NBA championship.
