Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler III Lead Warriors to 109-106 Game 4 Victory Over Rockets

The Golden State Warriors, buoyed by standout performances from Brandin Podziemski and Jimmy Butler III, narrowly defeated the Houston Rockets 109-106 in Game 4 of their playoff series. The game was a thrilling back-and-forth contest, featuring clutch performances, dramatic moments, and some truly spectacular individual efforts. As the Warriors edged out the Rockets, the series moved to a pivotal 2-2 tie, setting the stage for a high-stakes Game 5.

The series was knotted at 1-1 after the first two games in Houston, and Game 4 in San Francisco was crucial for both teams. The Warriors were looking to regain home-court advantage after the Rockets stole one on the road, while the Rockets were aiming to seize a commanding lead in the series, which had already proven to be tight and fiercely contested.

Entering the game, the Warriors knew they would have to rely on their veterans, including Jimmy Butler III, who had been instrumental in the team’s past successes. However, the true surprise of the night was the breakout performance from rookie Brandin Podziemski, whose poise and skill helped carry the Warriors to victory when it mattered most.

The Rockets came out strong in the first half, eager to capitalize on their momentum from Game 3, where they had outperformed the Warriors in nearly every facet of the game. With a combination of young talent, including Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr., Houston’s offense was clicking early.

Green, in particular, seemed to be in a rhythm, scoring 13 points in the opening quarter alone. His explosiveness and ability to attack the basket made it difficult for the Warriors to keep pace early on. The Rockets also utilized their defense well, especially on Stephen Curry, whose shooting was somewhat subdued by the aggressive Houston defense. The first quarter ended with the Rockets leading by 6 points, 32-26.

As the second quarter began, the Rockets’ momentum continued, and they extended their lead to as much as 10 points. However, despite the Rockets’ success, the Warriors weren’t about to go down without a fight. Podziemski, who had struggled in earlier games, started to assert himself. His quick first step and savvy decision-making allowed him to get to the basket, while his smooth jumper from beyond the arc gave the Warriors a much-needed offensive spark.

Podziemski’s impressive second-quarter performance included 8 points, 3 rebounds, and a couple of assists. He wasn’t just contributing as a scorer; his defensive energy was also vital in slowing down the Rockets’ attack. As the half drew to a close, the Warriors had managed to cut the Rockets’ lead to just 3 points, 54-51.

The second half would be defined by the interplay between two of the most important players for the Warriors: Jimmy Butler III and Brandin Podziemski. Both players took over the game in the third quarter, and their combined efforts would prove to be the difference-maker.

Jimmy Butler III: The seasoned veteran had struggled somewhat in the earlier games of the series, but Game 4 was where he fully asserted himself. Butler’s ability to score in a variety of ways—whether through his tough mid-range jumpers, isolation plays, or driving to the basket—was on full display. He poured in 12 points in the third quarter alone, showing why he is one of the most respected playoff performers in the league.

Butler also displayed his typical toughness on defense, matching up against Jalen Green and forcing the young star into difficult shots. Butler’s leadership was undeniable; he communicated well on defense, directing traffic and setting the tone for his teammates.

Brandin Podziemski: What really set the Warriors apart in the third quarter was the emergence of Podziemski. After showing flashes of potential in the earlier part of the game, the rookie guard truly came into his own. He was everywhere on the floor—finishing at the rim with an array of creative layups, knocking down key three-pointers, and making brilliant passes that created open looks for his teammates.

Podziemski’s versatility as a scorer was evident as he mixed up his offensive attack. He hit a critical three-pointer in the early minutes of the third to tie the game, and a few possessions later, he converted a dazzling behind-the-back pass to Draymond Green, who finished with a dunk. Podziemski also wasn’t afraid to step up in big moments, drilling a clutch three-pointer with just under 2 minutes remaining in the quarter to give the Warriors their first lead of the game, 85-83.

As the third quarter wound down, the Warriors had taken control, leading 88-85. The momentum had fully shifted, and the Rockets seemed a step behind. Podziemski’s 15 points and 4 assists in the third were a clear indication that the rookie was becoming a key figure in this series.

The game headed into the final frame with everything on the line. The Rockets weren’t ready to concede defeat, though, and they continued to battle back, with Green and Şengün doing their best to keep the pressure on the Warriors.

Green, in particular, showed his ability to rise to the occasion in crunch time. He hit a pair of back-to-back jump shots early in the fourth to tie the game at 92-92. The Rockets’ defense, led by rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr., did their best to stifle Butler and Podziemski, but both players found ways to score in critical moments.

With just under 5 minutes remaining, the Rockets took a 104-101 lead after a huge three-pointer from Green, followed by a floater from Şengün. The Warriors, however, refused to be outdone. Butler, who had been silent for a few minutes, came up with a huge step-back three-pointer to tie the game at 104-104. Then, with the shot clock winding down, Podziemski created a chance for himself, driving past Smith and finishing with an acrobatic layup to give the Warriors a 106-104 lead.

In the final minute, the game was tight, with both teams scrambling to make key plays. After a few tense possessions, the Rockets had one final chance to tie or win the game. With just 18 seconds left, Green launched a three-pointer over the outstretched arms of Butler, but the shot rimmed out. Draymond Green, who had been a steady presence on both ends, grabbed the rebound and passed it to Butler, who was immediately fouled.

Butler calmly stepped to the free-throw line and sank both attempts, giving the Warriors a 109-106 lead with only 12 seconds left. The Rockets were out of timeouts, and despite a last-ditch effort from Green to create a look, the Warriors defense held firm. A desperation three-point attempt by Green missed the mark, and the Warriors held on for a dramatic 109-106 victory.

The victory was a hard-fought one for the Warriors, but it also showcased the promise of their younger players, especially Podziemski. After the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr praised his rookie for his fearless play: “Brandin stepped up in a big way tonight. He’s a guy we trust in big moments, and he’s only going to get better. It was a huge performance from him.”

Butler, who finished the game with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, was quick to deflect the praise to his teammates. “It’s all about trusting the system, trusting each other. We have a deep team, and tonight was a perfect example of that. We all chipped in and got the win,” he said with a smile.

For the Rockets, it was a tough loss, but there were signs of growth. Green finished with 31 points and 5 assists, and Şengün contributed a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. However, their inability to capitalize on key opportunities down the stretch ultimately cost them the game.

With the series now tied 2-2, the Warriors and Rockets will head into Game 5 with everything to play for. Both teams have shown their ability to compete at a high level, and the pressure will only intensify as the series moves toward its final stretch.

For the Warriors, the performances of Podziemski and Butler were encouraging signs that they are ready to take the next step. If they can continue to rely on their veteran leadership and young talent, they will be tough to beat in the coming games.

For the Rockets, it’s clear that they are not to be underestimated. The combination of Green’s scoring ability and Şengün’s all-around play will continue to challenge the Warriors, and if Houston can clean up some of their late-game execution, they’ll have a chance to upset the reigning champions.

The stage is set for an exciting finish to what has already been a thrilling playoff series.