The Golden State Warriors edged out a thrilling 109–106 victory over the Houston Rockets on April 28, 2025, in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series. This hard-fought battle at Chase Center was defined by second-half adjustments, clutch free throws, and key defensive stops in the dying seconds. With this win, Golden State took a 3–1 series lead, pushing the Rockets into a must-win situation heading into Game 5. Both teams brought playoff-level intensity, but it was the Warriors’ experience that ultimately prevailed.
Game Overview: Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats
The fourth installment of the series delivered every ounce of drama that fans hoped for. The Houston Rockets, having shown glimpses of dominance in Game 3, came into this matchup needing a win to even the series. They started strong, taking a 57–50 lead into halftime thanks to fluid ball movement and accurate shooting beyond the arc.
Golden State, however, came out of the break with renewed energy. They opened the third quarter on a sensational 18–1 run, turning the game on its head. Houston tried to counter with a late-game push led by Alperen Şengün and Fred VanVleet, even managing to tie the score in the final two minutes. But the Warriors held their nerve, sinking crucial free throws and making vital defensive stops in the closing moments to escape with a narrow victory.
What made the game stand out was not just the intensity but the level of execution under pressure. The Warriors capitalized on their opportunities, especially from the free-throw line, while the Rockets struggled to convert in crunch time despite a solid shooting night overall. The game also highlighted the importance of playoff composure, with Golden State showcasing their trademark grit on both ends of the floor.
Team Box Scores: Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats
| Team | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB (O/D) | TO | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
| Rockets | 49.4% | 47.8% | 61.3% | 41 (13/28) | 13 | 18 | 6 | 6 | 106 |
| Warriors | 41.9% | 37.0% | 90.9% | 34 (9/25) | 10 | 27 | 7 | 2 | 109 |
The Rockets had a better shooting percentage from the field and three-point range, but their poor free-throw shooting (just 61.3%) cost them dearly. Meanwhile, the Warriors shot less efficiently from the floor but made up for it with excellent ball movement, fast-break points, and near-perfect accuracy at the foul line.
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Top Individual Performers: Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats
Houston Rockets
- Alperen Şengün: The big man put up 31 points and 10 rebounds in a dominant paint performance. He was relentless on the boards and scored in various ways, from post moves to mid-range jumpers.
- Fred VanVleet: The veteran guard kept Houston alive with 25 points, including eight three-pointers. His late-game heroics included a clutch triple to tie the game.
- Amen Thompson: Scored 17 points and provided a steady presence in transition and half-court sets, displaying composure well beyond his years.
Golden State Warriors
- Jimmy Butler III: Making a crucial return from injury, he led the team with 27 points and was a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line, including all five of Golden State’s final points.
- Brandin Podziemski: Stepped up big with 26 points, including six three-pointers. His shooting spread the floor and punished Houston’s defensive lapses.
- Stephen Curry: Though not the primary scorer on this occasion, Curry’s 17 points and game management in critical phases were key to maintaining offensive rhythm.
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Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
1st Quarter
Golden State started with sharp defensive rotations and energy, jumping out to a slim early lead. Houston kept pace with solid shooting from the perimeter. The quarter ended with both teams exchanging buckets in a high-paced opening.
2nd Quarter
Houston took control, led by Şengün’s inside game and VanVleet’s outside shooting. The Rockets outscored the Warriors 30–22 in the second, closing the half with a 57–50 lead.
3rd Quarter
The game’s pivotal moment arrived. Golden State opened the third quarter on an 18–1 run, with Podziemski and Butler igniting the charge. Houston looked out of rhythm, missing shots and committing turnovers. By the end of the quarter, the Warriors had turned the deficit into a narrow lead.
4th Quarter
A fierce back-and-forth battle unfolded. Houston regained their composure, led by a scoring surge from Thompson and clutch play by VanVleet. However, the Warriors closed it out with flawless free-throw shooting and crucial stops, particularly on Şengün in the final possession.
Game Analysis: Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats
This contest showcased all the elements of a classic playoff duel: intensity, adjustments, star performances, and high-stakes drama. Houston’s offense was efficient and dynamic, particularly in the first half. They moved the ball well, spaced the floor, and capitalized on mismatches in the paint. However, their Achilles’ heel was clearly the free-throw line. Shooting just 19-of-31 in a three-point loss is a glaring issue, especially in playoff basketball where margins are razor-thin.
Golden State, by contrast, used their experience to make key mid-game adjustments. Their 18–1 third-quarter run was fueled by improved defensive pressure, especially on VanVleet, and a focus on transition play. That momentum shift changed the entire tone of the game. The Warriors also demonstrated superior discipline, committing fewer turnovers and converting almost every free-throw opportunity.
Jimmy Butler’s return couldn’t have been timelier. He brought a calm presence, made clutch plays, and was perfect at the stripe. His veteran leadership and late-game poise made all the difference. Podziemski’s breakout game provided the Warriors with much-needed scoring depth, taking pressure off Curry and Hield.
The Rockets showed fight but lacked the killer instinct down the stretch. Missed free throws, second-chance opportunities, and some rushed possessions cost them a chance to even the series. However, their shooting from the field and beyond the arc indicates that they are more than capable of forcing a Game 6 if they clean up their execution.
Conclusion
Game 4 between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors was a showcase of grit, execution, and playoff pressure. Golden State took full advantage of their home crowd and delivered in clutch moments to secure a 109–106 win and a commanding 3–1 lead in the series.
Houston now finds itself with its back against the wall. They’ll need to regroup, focus on fundamentals—particularly free throws and rebounding—and find ways to stifle Golden State’s ball movement. The Warriors, on the other hand, are just one win away from moving to the second round and look poised, experienced, and dangerous.
The Rockets have the talent to bounce back, but they must learn from the small mistakes that have cost them two close losses in this series. Game 5 in Houston promises to be intense, emotional, and potentially season-defining.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets 109–106.
Q: Who was the top scorer in the game?
A: Alperen Şengün of the Rockets scored 31 points, while Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 27.
Q: What was the key turning point in the game?
A: The Warriors’ 18–1 run to start the third quarter shifted the momentum and gave them the edge.
Q: How did the Rockets perform from the free-throw line?
A: They struggled, hitting just 61.3% of their attempts, which played a significant role in their defeat.
Q: What’s next in the series?
A: With a 3–1 lead, the Warriors head to Houston for Game 5 with a chance to close out the series.
