Close Game 4 Victory Puts Warriors Up 3-1 On Rockets

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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A Tight Contest Throughout: Key Moments in Game 4

Game 4 was a rollercoaster, a true testament to the intensity of this playoff matchup. The close score throughout kept fans on the edge of their seats, with momentum swinging back and forth. Key plays decided the game's outcome.

• A Back-and-Forth Battle: The first half saw a tight contest, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. The score was close throughout the quarters, showcasing the offensive firepower of both teams and their equally strong defensive capabilities.
• Crucial Plays: A late third-quarter run by the Warriors, fueled by Steph Curry’s three-pointers and Klay Thompson's crucial defensive stops, proved to be a turning point. A key steal by Draymond Green and a subsequent fast break also shifted momentum decisively in the Warriors' favor.
• Rockets' Comeback Attempts: The Rockets fought back valiantly, with James Harden leading several scoring bursts. However, the Warriors' defense tightened up in crucial moments, preventing the Rockets from fully closing the gap. Their ability to execute down the stretch proved to be the difference.
• Injury Report: Fortunately, both teams escaped major injuries in Game 4. This ensures that all key players will likely be available for the upcoming crucial games.

Steph Curry's Stellar Performance Fuels Warriors' Win

Steph Curry's performance in Game 4 was nothing short of electrifying. His exceptional shooting and clutch plays were instrumental in securing the victory for the Warriors.

• Impressive Statistics: Curry finished the game with 37 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds, including several crucial three-pointers in the final quarter. His efficiency from beyond the arc was a key factor in stretching the Rockets' defense.
• Clutch Moments: Curry's performance in the fourth quarter was particularly noteworthy. He consistently delivered in clutch moments, hitting shots under pressure and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
• Overcoming Defensive Pressure: The Rockets tried various defensive strategies to contain Curry, including double-teaming and switching defensive assignments. However, Curry proved to be too elusive and skilled, consistently finding ways to score.
• Post-Game Comments: After the game, Curry praised his team's effort and highlighted the importance of maintaining focus for the remainder of the series. Coach Kerr lauded Curry’s leadership and offensive capabilities in high-pressure situations.

Rockets' Struggles and Areas for Improvement

Despite a valiant effort, the Rockets struggled in several key areas, contributing to their Game 4 loss. They need significant improvements to extend this series.

• Defensive Inefficiencies: The Rockets' defense struggled to contain the Warriors' potent offense, particularly Curry's explosive scoring bursts. Their inability to effectively double-team or switch defensively left them vulnerable to multiple scoring opportunities for the Warriors.
• James Harden's Performance: While Harden contributed with his usual scoring prowess, his efficiency was hampered by the Warriors' tight defense. Improving his decision-making and ball-handling under pressure will be crucial for the Rockets moving forward.
• Coaching Decisions: Certain strategic decisions by the Rockets' coaching staff could be questioned, notably adjustments to their defensive schemes that were not as effective as in previous games.
• Looking Ahead: To avoid elimination, the Rockets need to drastically improve their defensive intensity, particularly in preventing the Warriors from getting easy scoring opportunities. They need to find ways to slow down Curry and disrupt the Warriors' offensive flow.

The Road Ahead: Warriors' Path to the Next Round

The Warriors now hold a commanding 3-1 series lead, putting them in a strong position to advance to the next round of the NBA Playoffs. However, the Rockets are far from defeated, and the series is far from over.

• Significance of the 3-1 Lead: A 3-1 lead in a seven-game series is statistically very advantageous. Historically, teams holding this lead win the series the vast majority of time.
• Warriors' Chances: The Warriors are heavily favored to win the series, but complacency could be their biggest enemy. They need to maintain their focus and intensity.
• Game 5 Preview: Game 5 will be a critical game for both teams. The Rockets will be playing with their backs against the wall, desperate to stave off elimination. This creates a high-pressure environment.
• Rockets' Comeback Potential: A Rockets comeback is not impossible, but it requires a near-perfect performance in the remaining games. The pressure will be immense on the Rockets as they fight to prevent a series sweep.

Conclusion

The Warriors' hard-fought Game 4 victory over the Rockets has given them a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, putting them on the brink of advancing to the next round. Steph Curry’s exceptional performance was key to this success, while the Rockets face significant challenges in overcoming their current deficit. The Rockets will need to adjust their strategy drastically to avoid elimination.

Call to Action: Stay tuned for our continued coverage of this thrilling series as the Warriors aim to close out the Rockets and advance further in the NBA Playoffs! Don't miss our in-depth analysis of Game 5 – keep checking back for updates on this crucial matchup between the Warriors and Rockets. We will provide expert analysis and insights into this pivotal series as the battle for the next round continues.