Warriors Take 3-1 Series Lead After Nail-Biting Win Over Rockets

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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Curry's Stellar Performance Fuels Warriors Victory

Stephen Curry, the undisputed MVP candidate, delivered another masterful performance in Game 4, fueling the Warriors' victory. His impact on the Warriors Rockets series was undeniable.

• Dominant Scoring: Curry exploded for 38 points, showcasing his incredible shooting range. He drained 7 three-pointers, consistently finding the bottom of the net even under intense Rockets defensive pressure. His scoring prowess kept the Warriors ahead throughout crucial stretches of the game.

• Decisive Moments: One particularly crucial moment came in the fourth quarter when Curry hit back-to-back three-pointers to extend the Warriors' lead to double digits, effectively quashing any hopes of a Rockets comeback. His ability to score at will when it mattered most was key.

• Countering Defensive Strategies: The Rockets employed various defensive schemes to contain Curry, including double-teams and aggressive closeouts. However, Curry masterfully countered these strategies, utilizing his exceptional ball-handling skills and court vision to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He consistently found ways to exploit gaps in the Rockets' defense.

Rockets Struggle to Contain Warriors' Offensive Prowess

The Rockets' defensive strategy proved ineffective against the Warriors' potent offensive attack. The Warriors' offensive efficiency in this Warriors Rockets series game was simply too much to handle.

• Ineffective Defensive Schemes: The Rockets struggled to contain the Warriors' multifaceted offense. Their defensive rotations were often slow, allowing open shots for players beyond just Curry. Their inability to consistently pressure the ball led to easy scores for the Warriors.

• Exceptional Offensive Efficiency: Beyond Curry's brilliance, the Warriors received significant contributions from other key players. Klay Thompson's consistent shooting and Draymond Green's all-around game proved vital in keeping the Rockets' defense constantly on the back foot. The Warriors' field goal percentage was impressively high, a testament to their sharp execution. Assist numbers were also considerably higher than the Rockets', highlighting their efficient ball movement and team play.

• Successful Offensive Strategies: The Warriors effectively utilized pick-and-rolls, off-ball movement, and timely cuts to create high-percentage scoring chances. Their ability to adapt their offensive game plan depending on the Rockets’ defensive response was a significant factor in their success.

Key Moments and Turning Points in Game 4

Several pivotal moments in Game 4 decisively shifted momentum in the Warriors' favor during this Warriors Rockets series game.

• The Draymond Green Steal and Fast Break: With the score tightly contested midway through the third quarter, Draymond Green made a crucial steal, initiating a fast break that resulted in a thunderous dunk by Andrew Wiggins. This invigorated the Warriors' energy and extended their lead, proving to be a significant turning point.

• The Late-Game Curry Three-Pointer: With under two minutes remaining and the Rockets attempting a comeback, Curry hit another clutch three-pointer, silencing the Houston crowd and effectively sealing the victory for the Warriors. This shot emphasized his ice-cold demeanor under pressure.

• The Defensive Stop on Harden: In the final minute, the Warriors’ defense successfully prevented James Harden from getting a clear shot. This crucial defensive play, following a Rockets' timeout, ensured the Warriors maintained their hard-fought lead and secured the win.

Rockets' Struggles and Areas for Improvement

The Rockets' Game 4 performance highlighted several areas needing improvement for the remainder of the Warriors Rockets series.

• Defensive Breakdown: The Rockets' defensive communication and rotations were noticeably lacking. The Warriors successfully exploited these weaknesses throughout the game, consistently finding open shots.

• Offensive Stagnation: The Rockets' offense lacked fluidity at times, relying too heavily on isolation plays for James Harden. This predictability allowed the Warriors' defense to effectively key in on Harden, limiting his effectiveness.

• Potential Adjustments: The Rockets must improve their defensive rotations and communication to better contain the Warriors' dynamic offense. They also need to diversify their offensive strategies, reducing their reliance on individual heroics and focusing on better ball movement.

Conclusion

The Warriors' Game 4 victory against the Rockets has established a commanding 3-1 lead in their series, placing them on the cusp of playoff advancement. Stephen Curry’s exceptional performance, combined with the team’s overall offensive firepower and key moments of strategic brilliance, overwhelmed the Rockets' defense. While the Rockets face an uphill battle, Game 5 could still offer a chance for a turnaround.

Call to Action: Stay tuned for our coverage of Game 5, as the Warriors look to close out the series and the Rockets fight to keep their playoff hopes alive. Follow us for continuous updates on the Warriors Rockets series and for in-depth analysis of this exciting playoff matchup.