The first half of Game 4 of the first-round playoff series between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors ended with the Rockets on top 57-50.
It was a chippy first half, as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Dillon Brooks all got involved in an altercation in the second quarter after Curry was tripped and fouled by Brooks. All three men ended up getting called for technical fouls as a result.
During halftime, Turner Sports personality Charles Barkley unloaded on the Warriors for letting their emotions get the best of them.
“Let me just say this: This is just a bunch of stupidity,” Barkley said. “… These guys gotta settle down and play basketball. All that other stuff, nothing’s coming of it. It’s just a bunch of scrums and things.”
There is no excuse for a veteran team such as the Warriors to let their emotions get the best of them. Green has historically been a loose cannon, and he has arguably cost them playoff games in the past by picking up technicals and flagrant fouls.
They have won four NBA championships during the Curry era, and many have felt lately that they have a real shot at getting one for the thumb this year.
Apr 15, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) talks with forward Jimmy Butler III (10) during a break in the action against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second quarter at the Chase Center.
© Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The Jimmy Butler trade in early February transformed Golden State from a team that was gradually decaying to one that is very much alive and kicking again. It finished the regular season on a 23-8 run once Butler made his debut, and he has given it the legitimate second star it hasn’t had since Klay Thompson suffered a torn ACL and torn Achilles a few years ago.
The Warriors currently lead this best-of-seven series two games to one after they took Game 3 despite being without Butler, who suffered a pelvic contusion in Game 2.
Butler has returned for Game 4, and although he isn’t 100%, he has allowed the Warriors to compete hard with Houston deep into the third quarter.
