Jimmy Butler made an explosive return from injury on Monday night, playing a pivotal role in the Golden State Warriors’ thrilling 109-106 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 4 at Chase Center. After sitting out Game 3, Butler came back rejuvenated and laser-focused, steering the Warriors to a crucial win and granting them a commanding 3-1 lead in the first round of the playoffs.
Interestingly, Butler’s return coincided with a tough day for his former team, the Miami Heat, who were swept out of the playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers. This context only increased the significance of his performance, and he truly delivered a showstopper.
In this game, Butler lived up to his nickname, “Playoff Jimmy.” He finished strong with 27 points, five rebounds, and six assists, showcasing his efficiency by shooting 7-of-12 from the field and a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. Impressively, he tied Michael Jordan’s record for the most playoff games in history with at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and zero turnovers. That’s the kind of statistic that sends shivers down the spine of any basketball fan.
In fact, most of Butler’s impact came during the second half, where he truly turned up the heat—scoring an impressive 23 points, grabbing three rebounds, and dishing out four assists. It was as if he was reminding everyone why he’s such a force in the postseason.
While Butler certainly stole the show, he wasn’t alone in carrying the Warriors to this victory. Brandin Podziemski was an unsung hero in the game, contributing with 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Buddy Hield added another 15 points along with four rebounds and three assists, proving that the depth of the Warriors’ roster can be a game-changer. Draymond Green, known for his relentless defensive energy, pulled down eight rebounds and racked up two assists, making his presence felt in critical moments.
Stephen Curry, usually a scorer extraordinaire, had a quieter night by his standards—finishing with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists. But even on an off night, his presence was vital in spreading the floor and making it difficult for the Rockets to clamp down defensively. Meanwhile, Quentin Post came off the bench to add 13 valuable points, contributing to the collective effort.
Let’s not overlook the Houston Rockets, who fought valiantly despite the loss. Alperen Sengun was a standout, dropping a remarkable 31 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Fred VanVleet added 25 points and six assists. Amen Thompson also put in a commendable effort with 17 points and nine rebounds, showcasing just how determined Houston was to stay in the fight.
As the series now shifts with the Warriors leading 3-1, Game 5 will be a make-or-break moment for the Houston Rockets. They’ll need to dig deep to find a way to turn the tide, but one thing is for certain: every game in this playoff series is delivering nail-biting excitement that basketball fans live for.
Image Source: Jimmy Butler @ Instagram
