Game Breakdown: A Rollercoaster Night
- 1st Quarter: Warriors raced to a 13-2 start, but Fred VanVleet’s triples kept Houston close (28-26 GSW).
- 2nd Quarter Drama: Green’s kick on Tari Eason earned a Flagrant 1 (not ejected), fueling a Rockets 7-point halftime lead.
- 3rd Quarter Surge: Golden State’s 18-1 run, led by Podziemski’s three-point barrage, flipped the game.
- Final Minutes: Butler’s ice-cold free throws (4/4 in clutch) sealed it after Şengün’s potential game-tying floater missed.
Hot Take:
This game had EVERYTHING – lead changes, a villainous foul, and a Hollywood ending. Draymond walking the tightrope (again) 🤯, Podz emerging as Steph’s heir apparent, and Houston’s young core learning playoff pain. The NBA scriptwriters are earning their paychecks!
Star Performances
| Player | Stats | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Butler | 27/5/6 | Returned from injury like a boss |
| Brandin Podziemski | 26 pts (6/11 3PT) | Rookie sensation ☄️ |
| Alperen Şengün | 31/10/5 | Dominated paint but lacked help |
| Fred VanVleet | 25 pts (8/12 3PT) | Sizzling from deep, not enough |
Controversy: Should Draymond Have Been Ejected?
Green’s kick to Eason’s midsection was deemed Flagrant 1, sparing him ejection. Rockets fans erupted, with analysts split:
- Steve Kerr: “He walks the line perfectly”.
- Houston media: “Inconsistent officiating cost us.”
What’s Next?
Warriors can close out in Game 5 at Houston. Historically, teams down 1-3 advance just 4.5% of the time – the pressure is squarely on the young Rockets.
