Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are one win away from advancing in the NBA playoffs after a thrilling Game 4 victory over the Houston Rockets. With a mix of resilience, clutch performances, and a little luck, the Warriors now hold a commanding 3-1 series lead. Here’s a breakdown of how they did it, the latest injury updates, and what fans can expect next.

Warriors’ Star Returns for Game 4: Injury Update

The Warriors got a major boost ahead of Game 4 as their star player, who had been sidelined with an injury, was cleared to start. While the team hasn’t disclosed full details about the injury, his presence on the court immediately lifted the team’s energy. Fans held their breath early in the series when he limped off the court, but his return proved critical in Monday’s matchup.

Though not at 100%, the star’s leadership and scoring ability helped keep the Rockets’ defense guessing. He finished the game with 18 points, 7 assists, and a handful of clutch shots that silenced Houston’s home crowd. Post-game, Coach Steve Kerr praised his toughness: “He’s a warrior in every sense. You could see he wasn’t fully comfortable, but he fought for every play.”

Draymond Green Avoids Ejection, Sparks Warriors’ Comeback

If there’s one player who walks the line between chaos and brilliance, it’s Draymond Green. The fiery forward narrowly avoided ejection in the third quarter after a heated exchange with officials. A technical foul was called, but Green’s composure afterward turned the game around.

With the Warriors trailing by 8 points late in the third quarter, Green shifted gears. His defense became suffocating, shutting down the Rockets’ drives to the basket. Offensively, he orchestrated fast breaks and found open teammates, including a behind-the-back pass to Steph Curry for a momentum-shifting three-pointer.

Green finished with 12 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists—just shy of a triple-double. His ability to channel his intensity into productivity has always been his superpower, and it was on full display Monday. “I play with passion. Sometimes it bites me, but tonight it fueled us,” Green said post-game.

Game 4 Highlights: Warriors’ Late-Game Execution Seals the Win

The Rockets came out swinging, led by their backcourt duo of Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet, who combined for 52 points. But the Warriors’ experience in playoff battles shone through in the final minutes.

Key Moments:
1. Third-Quarter Turnaround: After Draymond’s technical foul, the Warriors went on a 14-4 run to close the quarter.
2. Curry’s Clutch Three: With 2:30 left, Steph Curry sank a contested three-pointer to put the Warriors up by 5.
3. Defensive Stand: Golden State forced three consecutive turnovers in the final minute, including a block by Andrew Wiggins on Jalen Green’s layup attempt.

The Warriors’ bench also stepped up. Jonathan Kuminga provided a spark with 10 points and aggressive drives, while veteran Chris Paul stabilized the offense during Curry’s rest minutes.

What the 3-1 Lead Means for the Series

History heavily favors the Warriors now. Teams with a 3-1 lead in the NBA playoffs have advanced over 95% of the time. But if anyone knows not to celebrate early, it’s Golden State. In 2016, they famously blew a 3-1 lead in the Finals to the Cavaliers.

That said, this Warriors squad seems locked in. Their formula—elite shooting, switchable defense, and playoff-tested stars—has worked for years. The Rockets, meanwhile, face a near-impossible task. They’ll need flawless execution and a little luck to extend the series.

Injury Watch: Who’s Healthy for Game 5?

While the Warriors’ star avoided aggravating his injury, the team remains cautious. He’s expected to play in Game 5 but may see limited minutes if the game becomes a blowout. On the Rockets’ side, center Alperen Şengün is day-to-day with a knee issue, which could hurt their interior defense.

Draymond’s Leadership: The Heart of the Warriors

Draymond Green’s value goes beyond stats. He’s the emotional core of the team, rallying teammates during timeouts and calling out defensive assignments. His near-ejection could’ve derailed the Warriors, but instead, it ignited them.

“Draymond’s our engine,” said Klay Thompson. “When he’s locked in, we’re all locked in.”

What’s Next? Game 5 Preview

The series shifts back to San Francisco for Game 5, where the Warriors can close it out in front of their home crowd. Expect the Rockets to play with desperation—their season is on the line.

Keys to Victory for Golden State:
- Limit Turnovers: The Warriors had 15 turnovers in Game 4, leading to 20 Rockets points.
- Bench Production: Kuminga and Paul need to maintain their energy.
- Defend the Perimeter: Houston shot 40% from three in Game 4. Closing out on shooters is crucial.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

Warriors fans flooded social media with memes of Draymond Green “trolling” the Rockets and celebrating Curry’s dagger three. Even rival fans acknowledged Golden State’s poise under pressure. One tweet read: “The Warriors might age, but their playoff DNA doesn’t.”

Conclusion: One Win Away

The Golden State Warriors are in the driver’s seat. With their star player battling through injury, Draymond Green playing inspired basketball, and role players stepping up, they’re proving why they’ve been a dynasty for a decade. Game 5 is their chance to finish the job—and rest up for the next challenge.

For the Rockets, it’s about pride now. But for the Warriors, it’s one step closer to another title run. Don’t miss what could be the final chapter of this series on Wednesday night!