12 free throws! Butler made a 27+5+6 second half to set the victory

On May 1, 2025, in the fourth game of the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Golden State Warriors narrowly defeated the Houston Rockets 109-106 at home, leading the series with a big score of 3-1. In this game, Warriors core Jimmy Butler returned from the front line, scoring 27 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists with an efficient performance of 7 of 12 shots and 12 free throws, and took over the game at the offense and defense ends in the final quarter, becoming a key figure in the team's victory.

Returned with an injury, the tough guy's true nature is fully displayed

Butler, who had previously missed G3 due to hip contusion, was listed as "suspicious in playing" before this game, but he still chose to play with an injury. In the first quarter, he quickly got into the state and established an advantage for the Warriors through breakthroughs in killing and precise mid-range distance. Although the Rockets once overtook the score with their inside advantage, Butler scored consecutively in the late third quarter and early fourth quarter to stabilize the morale of the army. Especially in the last 5 minutes of the game, he broke through twice and scored a key rebound to help the Warriors withstood the opponent's counterattack.

Free throw dominance: a powerful tool to disintegrate the opponent's mentality

Butler hit all 12 free throws in this game, continuing his label of "foul-making master". According to statistics, he averaged 7.8 free throws per game this season, with 37% of his scores coming from the free throw line, which even surpassed the league's top scorer Alexander. The Rockets defensive players lost multiple fouls in the final quarter because they were afraid of their breakthrough, resulting in the core Shin Kyung and Jaylen Green's fouls on their backs for 5 fouls, and the defensive intensity dropped significantly. Warriors coach Cole commented after the game: "Jimmy can always tear the defense in the most direct way, and his aggressiveness is the basis for us to win."

Team Leader: Activating the entire team's offense and defense

In addition to personal scores, Butler also made outstanding contributions to the organizational end. He attracted double-teams and passed the ball many times, helped Podjemski hit 6 three-pointers (26 points in the game), and assisted the substitute player to complete the empty cut. On the defensive end, he is the main defender of Rockets No. 1 scorer, Shin Kyung, limiting his shooting percentage to below 40%. Rockets reporter frankly admitted after the game: "Butler's existence has raised the Warriors' offensive and defensive system to a higher level, and his experience has crushed our young people."

Series prospects: The Warriors' advancement is in sight

After this game, the Warriors are only one step away from advancing to the Western Conference semi-finals. Butler's return not only eased Curry's offensive pressure (Curry scored 17 points in this game), but also gave the team an additional insurance in handling key balls. In the Rockets, Jaylen Green's ups and downs in form (average of 14.5 points in the series) has become the biggest shortcoming. If he cannot break out in G5, the team may not be able to escape.

As Butler said after the game: "We know that every game may determine the direction of the season, and the whole team has shown resilience tonight." If this state continues, the Warriors may cause greater waves in the West.