The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets 72-68 in game 4 of the NBA playoffs, in a contest marked by intensity and lead changes. With the series now at 2-1 in favor of the Warriors, the game, played at Golden State’s home court, was decided by small details, with standout performances from Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski. The Rockets, led by Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun, showed resilience but couldn’t overcome the Warriors’ solid defense and clutch shooting in critical moments of the third quarter. The competition remains fierce, with game 5 scheduled for April 30, promising more excitement in the race for a conference finals spot.
The game started evenly, with both teams trading baskets and keeping the score close. The Houston Rockets opened with aggressive defense, led by Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks, who made it tough for the Warriors to penetrate. However, Golden State responded with long-range shooting, a team trademark, particularly with Curry and Podziemski converting three-pointers. The first quarter ended with a slight Warriors lead, 28-26, reflecting the intensity on both sides.
In the second quarter, the Rockets took the lead, powered by Fred VanVleet, who hit consecutive three-pointers. Alperen Sengun was also key, dominating the paint with rebounds and assists. The Warriors struggled with turnovers, especially from Curry, who lost the ball at critical moments. Despite this, the home team stayed in the game, closing the first half with the score at 57-50 for Houston.
Third-quarter turnaround defines the game
The third quarter was the turning point. The Golden State Warriors returned from the break with a more aggressive stance, tightening their defense and capitalizing on mid- and long-range shots. Buddy Hield and Quinten Post were pivotal, hitting three-pointers that cut into the Rockets’ lead. Stephen Curry, despite some errors, contributed with decisive plays, including a layup that put the Warriors ahead. Golden State’s defense also ramped up pressure, forcing turnovers from Houston, such as Steven Adams’ offensive foul.
The Houston Rockets struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm. Fred VanVleet remained the team’s primary weapon, scoring 25 points, including a crucial three-pointer at 4:22 in the third quarter, bringing the score to 68-72. However, the visiting team was hampered by fouls and errant passes, allowing Golden State to capitalize on fast breaks. Alperen Sengun, while effective on rebounds, faced challenges against Draymond Green’s physical defense, limiting his impact in the paint.
- Key third-quarter highlights:
- Buddy Hield: Hit two three-pointers, including one at 5:35, narrowing the gap to 65-68.
- Fred VanVleet: Led the Rockets with 15 points, including five made three-pointers.
- Quinten Post: Contributed with rebounds and a three-pointer, aiding the Warriors’ comeback.
- Draymond Green: Defensively solid, with a block and key rebounds.
Stephen Curry respira perto de Eason, Eason derruba Jimmy Butler e adivinhem de quem é a falta?
— Warriors Brasil (@warriors_bra) April 29, 2025
Claro, de Stephen Curry.
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Individual performances shine amid team battle
Individual performances were decisive in the outcome. For Golden State, Brandin Podziemski stood out with 16 points, including four three-pointers, plus four assists. His ability to score in critical moments was essential in keeping the Warriors alive. Stephen Curry, though not at his best from long range (1/5 on threes), finished with 14 points and two assists, showing leadership in clutch plays.
For the Houston Rockets, Fred VanVleet was the standout, with 18 points and five assists. His accuracy from three-point range (6/8) kept the team competitive, especially in the second quarter. Alperen Sengun also had a solid game, with 12 points and six rebounds, but struggled against the Warriors’ physical defense. Dillon Brooks, with 11 points and six rebounds, brought energy, but his fouls limited his impact late in the game.
The rebounding battle was close, with Houston grabbing 25 (19 defensive) and Golden State 23 (17 defensive). Both teams committed turnovers (11 for the Rockets, 10 for the Warriors), but Golden State was more effective in turning opponent mistakes into points, scoring 20 fast-break points compared to Houston’s 8.
Decisive moments and tactical adjustments
The final minutes of the third quarter saw constant lead changes. The Houston Rockets tried to regain control with a more aggressive defense, but the insertion of Trayce Jackson-Davis for Jimmy Butler III gave Golden State more mobility in the paint. Coach Steve Kerr also adjusted the rotation, using Quinten Post in key moments to exploit mismatches against Sengun.
The Rockets, coached by Ime Udoka, relied on fast plays and long-range shooting, but a lack of consistency in offensive rebounds limited second-chance opportunities. The absence of Jae’Sean Tate, sidelined until May 4, also impacted Houston’s rotation, which missed his defensive versatility.
- Tactical adjustments that made a difference:
- Golden State: Increased defensive pressure in the third quarter, with Draymond Green marking Sengun.
- Houston: Attempted to speed up the game with VanVleet and Thompson, but struggled with offensive rebounds.
- Warriors: Used Podziemski and Hield as perimeter shooting options.
- Rockets: Overreliance on three-point shots, with 50% accuracy.
Series context and upcoming challenges
The series between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets has been one of the most competitive in the 2025 playoffs. Game 1, played on April 20, ended with a Warriors victory, 95-85, driven by dominant performances from Curry and Draymond Green. In game 2, on April 23, the Rockets responded with a convincing 109-94 win, led by VanVleet and Jalen Green. Game 3, on April 26, saw the Warriors regain the lead with a 104-93 score, thanks to a strong defense and accurate shooting from Podziemski.
With game 4 keeping Golden State ahead, the series now heads to game 5, set for April 30 in Houston. The Rockets need a home win to avoid falling behind 3-1, which could be decisive. The Texas team has shown resilience, but must improve defensive consistency and reduce turnovers to overcome Steve Kerr’s experienced squad.
Schedule for upcoming games
The series’ continuation promises more intense matchups, with dates already set for the next games:
- Game 5: April 30, in Houston.
- Game 6: May 2, in Golden State (if necessary).
- Game 7: May 4, in Houston (if necessary).
The Houston Rockets will have the home-court advantage in game 5, where the crowd has been a significant factor. However, the Golden State Warriors, with their playoff experience, remain favorites, particularly with Curry’s leadership and the versatility of players like Podziemski and Hield.
Impact of bench players
Bench players from both teams played significant roles in game 4. For Golden State, Quinten Post was a pleasant surprise, contributing 13 points and four rebounds in 15 minutes. His ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting gave the Warriors an extra offensive option. Moses Moody, though less efficient, brought defensive energy, with a crucial steal in the second quarter.
For the Houston Rockets, Jabari Smith Jr. was the top bench performer, with five points and three assists in 15 minutes. His versatility to play both on the perimeter and in the paint gave the team tactical options, but his lack of aggression at times limited his impact. Tari Eason also contributed three points and two steals, but his technical fouls disrupted the game’s flow.
Stats that tell the story
Game 4’s statistics reveal the tight nature of the contest and the factors that decided the outcome. The Golden State Warriors shot 43.6% from the field, compared to 51.1% for the Houston Rockets. However, the Warriors were more efficient from three-point range (37.5% vs. 50% for the Rockets) and converted 92.3% of their free throws, against 61.1% for their opponents.
Golden State also excelled in points in the paint (16 vs. 28 for the Rockets) and fast-break points (20 vs. 8). The slight difference in turnovers was crucial, with the Warriors capitalizing better on Houston’s mistakes. The Warriors’ defense, led by Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III, was also effective in limiting the Rockets’ second-chance opportunities, with Houston securing just six offensive rebounds.
Outlook for game 5
Game 5 will be a test of resilience for the Houston Rockets. Playing at home, the team has a chance to tie the series, but will need a more consistent performance from Jalen Green, who scored just eight points in game 4. The leadership of Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun’s presence in the paint will be critical to overcoming the Warriors’ defense. Additionally, the Rockets must improve their free-throw shooting, a weak point in the game.
For the Golden State Warriors, the key will be maintaining defensive intensity and leveraging their roster’s versatility. Stephen Curry, despite ups and downs, remains the team’s engine, and his ability to deliver in clutch moments will be tested. Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield, who shone in game 4, have a chance to solidify their impact in the series.
External factors influencing the series
Beyond on-court performance, other factors may shape the series’ outcome. Jae’Sean Tate’s injury is a concern for the Houston Rockets, as his absence reduces roster depth. The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, have no injured players, giving coach Steve Kerr more rotation options.
The crowd also plays a role. In Houston, fan support has been a difference-maker, especially in crucial games. However, the Golden State Warriors have one of the NBA’s most passionate fanbases, and the atmosphere at Chase Center in game 6, if needed, could pose a challenge for the Rockets.
Recent history between Warriors and Rockets
The rivalry between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets is one of the NBA’s most storied in recent years. Since their epic conference finals battles from 2015 to 2019, the two teams have consistently delivered intense games. The Warriors, with their dynasty led by Curry, Klay Thompson (currently injured), and Draymond Green, dominated most of those matchups, but the Rockets, with James Harden back then and now a new generation, have always been a tough opponent.
In the 2024-2025 regular season, the Houston Rockets finished with a 52-30 record, while the Golden State Warriors ended at 48-34. Despite Houston’s better regular-season performance, the playoffs are a different beast, where the Warriors’ experience has shone through. The current series reflects this dynamic, with close games and standout individual performances on both sides.
Importance of three-point shooting
Three-point shooting has been a defining factor in the series. The Houston Rockets have leaned on their perimeter efficiency, with Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks leading the charge. In game 4, the Rockets shot 50% from three (9/18), but their limited attempts compared to the Warriors (12/32) reduced their impact.
The Golden State Warriors, known for revolutionizing long-range shooting, continue to rely on this weapon. Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield have been key perimeter options, while Stephen Curry, even with lower efficiency, remains a constant threat. The Warriors’ ability to hit three-pointers in clutch moments has been a difference-maker in the series.
Game 4 tidbits
- Fred VanVleet matched his playoff career-high for three-pointers, with six made shots.
- Brandin Podziemski became the youngest Warriors player to hit four three-pointers in a playoff game.
- Game 4 saw five technical fouls, including a flagrant foul by Draymond Green, reflecting the matchup’s intensity.
- The Houston Rockets led by up to seven points in the second quarter but couldn’t hold the advantage after halftime.
What to expect from the rest of the series
With the series at 2-1 for the Golden State Warriors, the upcoming games will be pivotal. The Houston Rockets have the home-court advantage in game 5, but must overcome the Warriors’ playoff savvy. Fred VanVleet’s leadership and the energy of young players like Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. will be crucial to keeping the series competitive.
The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, rely on Stephen Curry’s consistency and their roster’s versatility. Brandin Podziemski’s emergence as a reliable offensive option and Draymond Green’s defensive solidity provide a strong foundation for advancing. The series promises more thrilling chapters, with both teams showing potential to move forward.
