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Playoff Jimmy Butler fuels Warriors down stretch in Game 4 to take 3-1 lead vs. Rockets

With Jimmy Butler back in the starting lineup and the chance to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the first-round series against the Houston Rockets, the Golden State Warriors took advantage in Game 4. After a back-and-forth chippy contest, Butler and the Warriors took over down the stretch to hold off the Rockets in another thriller in Game 4, 109-106.

After missing the final three quarters of Game 2 and all of Game 3 with a pelvic contusion, Butler returned in vintage “Playoff Jimmy” fashion. The veteran wing tallied 27 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field with six assists, five rebounds and a block in 40 minutes.

Butler scored 14 of his points in the fourth quarter on 4-of-7 shooting from the field. With the game tied at 104 and under a minute on the clock, Butler was fouled on a 3-point attempt by Dillon Brooks. Butler knocked down all three free throws to give the Warriors a 3-point lead with 58 seconds remaining on the clock.

Behind Alperen Sengun, Houston cut into Golden State’s late lead and had a chance to win the game with 13 seconds left. With the game on the line, the Rockets opted to send Sengun at Draymond Green, 1-on-1. The former Defensive Player of the Year forced Sengun into a missed shot before Butler skyed for a strong rebound, clinching the 109-106 win for the Warriors.

Brandin Podziemski tallied 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the field with six made triples to go along with five assists, five boards and two steals in 40 minutes.

After scoring 31 or more points in two of the first three games in the series, Curry recorded a quiet performance with 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting from the field with two made triples, three assists and three rebounds.

The Warriors now have a controlling 3-1 series lead with the opportunity to eliminate the Rockets in Game 5 on Wednesday in Houston.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Jimmy Butler fuels Warriors in Game 4 win vs. Rockets, 109-106

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