Golden State Takes 3-1 Series Lead Over Houston After 109-106 Playoff Victory

SAN FRANCISCO — In a nail-biting finish, the Golden State Warriors held off the Houston Rockets 109-106 in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Monday night, taking a crucial 3-1 lead. The Warriors were powered by a gutsy return from Jimmy Butler, who shook off injury to deliver when it mattered most, and a career night from rising star Brandin Podziemski.

Jimmy Butler Delivers in Crunch Time Despite Injury

After missing Game 3 due to a bruised pelvis, Butler returned to lead Golden State with 27 points, including 23 in the second half and a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line. His biggest moment came with 10 seconds left, when he secured a critical rebound off an Alperen Şengün miss, drew a foul, and calmly sank two free throws to seal the game.

“Jimmy really carried us in the fourth,” said head coach Steve Kerr. “If it were the regular season, he’d probably sit. But it’s the playoffs, and he’s Jimmy Butler.”

Podziemski Erupts With Career-High Performance

While Butler closed, Brandin Podziemski was the spark plug throughout the night, finishing with a playoff career-high 26 points on 9-for-18 shooting, including 6-of-11 from three. The second-year guard added 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and a block in 40 high-energy minutes.

“Since coming back from injury, he’s been lights out,” said Draymond Green. “He plays with irrational confidence, and we need that.”

Podziemski helped fuel an 18-1 Warriors run between the second and third quarters, keeping the team afloat as Curry faced tough defense and Green battled foul trouble.

Rockets Adjust, But Free Throws Doom Them Again

The Rockets experimented with a double-big lineup featuring Şengün and Steven Adams, which helped them dominate the paint (48 points to Golden State’s 28) and post a higher effective field goal percentage. Şengün was especially effective, scoring 31 points, with 14 of those coming near the rim.

Houston’s revamped rotation — including a nine-minute stretch where they outscored Golden State by 11 — gave the team a fighting chance. But once again, missed free throws (12 in total, shooting just 61% from the line) were their downfall.

Jalen Green struggled mightily, finishing with five turnovers and minimal second-half impact, while Amen Thompson added 17 points, mostly attacking the rim late.

What’s Next for Game 5?

Golden State now sits one win away from the second round, with Game 5 shifting back to Houston. Kerr’s decision to start Buddy Hield paid off, and the Warriors’ momentum is peaking at the right time.

For Houston, coach Ime Udoka will have to consider sticking with the big lineup, but the real challenge will be finding consistent shot creation beyond Şengün. Their season hangs in the balance, and the pressure will be at its highest in Game 5.

Key Stats:

• Jimmy Butler: 27 points, 12-12 FT, 4 rebounds

• Brandin Podziemski: 26 points, 6-11 3PT, 5 rebounds, 5 assists

• Alperen Şengün: 31 points, dominant inside

• Rockets FT Shooting: 19-for-31 (61%)

Golden State leads series 3-1. Game 5 is set for Houston as the Rockets fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.