Warriors vs Rockets Final Score & Highlights, NBA 24-25: Warriors Hold Off Rockets’ Furious Comeback to Take 3-1 Series Lead

Warriors vs Rockets Final Score & Highlights, NBA 24-25: The Golden State Warriors are officially one win away from advancing to the second round. Behind a gritty, back-and-forth performance in Game 4, the seventh-seeded Warriors scraped past the second-seeded Houston Rockets 109-106 to grab a commanding 3-1 lead in the Western Conference series.

With the Splash Brothers taking a backseat to the rising stars and veterans stepping up in crucial moments, Golden State leaned on balance, composure, and clutch defense to weather every punch the Rockets threw at them.

Q1: Slow Start, Heated Finish

Both teams started the game feeling each other out, but the quarter quickly turned physical. Houston held a slight early edge thanks to strong interior play from Alperen Sengun. However, late in the period, tensions flared: Draymond Green and Dillon Brooks exchanged words, leading to technical fouls on both sides. Tari Eason and Steph Curry also picked up techs in the escalating scuffle.

Despite the chaos, the Rockets ended the quarter ahead, using their pace to disrupt Golden State’s rhythm.

Score after Q1: Rockets 29, Warriors 22

Q2: Bench Boost and Flagrant Drama

Golden State clawed back into the game in the second quarter with key contributions from their second unit. Buddy Hield nailed a pair of threes, and Quinten Post provided much-needed energy and shot blocking.

A flagrant foul called on Houston during a fast break allowed the Warriors to swing the momentum briefly, but Sengun and VanVleet responded with timely buckets. Still, Golden State’s ability to attack the paint and get to the line kept them close at halftime.

Halftime Score: Rockets 56, Warriors 51

Q3: Warriors Erupt with Game-Changing Run

The third quarter proved pivotal. The Warriors stormed out of the locker room with an 18-1 run, turning a five-point deficit into a double-digit lead. Podziemski caught fire with back-to-back threes and a steal leading to a transition layup. Butler continued to orchestrate the offense, slashing through Houston’s defense while drawing fouls.

The Rockets were held scoreless for over four minutes and struggled to respond until late in the quarter when Amen Thompson provided a brief spark.

Score after Q3: Warriors 86, Rockets 77

Q4: Late Drama and Final Stand

Houston came roaring back in the final period behind Sengun’s powerful inside game and VanVleet’s perimeter shooting. The Rockets trimmed the lead to one with under a minute left, but Jimmy Butler calmly knocked down three clutch free throws after drawing contact from Eason.

On the next possession, Draymond Green contested Sengun’s layup attempt at the rim, preserving the lead. VanVleet had a final look at a game-tying three with 2.2 seconds left, but the shot rimmed out as the Warriors bench exploded in celebration.

Final Score: Warriors 109, Rockets 106

Top Performers and Key Stats

Golden State Warriors

Brandin Podziemski: 26 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST

Jimmy Butler: 27 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB, 3 STL

Steph Curry: 17 PTS, 5 AST, 2 TOV

Buddy Hield: 15 PTS off the bench

Quinten Post: 13 PTS, 7 REB, 2 BLK

Team FT%: 86.5% (32-of-37)

Houston Rockets

Alperen Sengun: 31 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST

Fred VanVleet: 25 PTS, 6 AST, 3 3PM

Amen Thompson: 17 PTS, 9 REB

Team FT%: 61.3% (19-of-31)

Team FG%: 48.8%

Best Moments of the Night

Podziemski’s takeover: His energy and confidence shifted the momentum completely in the third.

Draymond’s rim defense: Game-saving contest against Sengun with 15 seconds left.

Butler’s free throws: Ice in his veins, converting 3-of-3 from the line in the clutch.

Team scuffle in Q2: Set the tone for a fiery, physical playoff battle.

Golden State now holds all the cards with a 3-1 lead and momentum fully on their side. With Butler back healthy and the young core stepping up, the Warriors look primed to finish the series strong and advance. They’ll have a chance to close it out in Game 5 on the road.

Houston isn’t out of it yet, but the margin for error is now razor-thin. If they want to turn the series around, they’ll need a near-perfect outing from their stars, better free-throw shooting, and more composure in tight moments.