Not Curry: Jimmy Butler praises Warriors teammate after standout Game 4 performance

The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets in Game 4 and took a 3-1 lead in the series. With this victory, they shifted the momentum clearly in their favor. Throughout the game, Bradin Podziemski confirmed that his recent performances were no coincidence dominating the court alongside Jimmy Butler, who led the offense with a masterful showing. However, Butler chose to praise the role of a teammate emphasizing his importance in securing the win. Surprisingly it was not Stephen Curry.

“I hate to give Buddy a compliment, so I’m not going to…But No. 7 on our team really brought the defensive mentality tonight, made some big shots… and he stinks, I just gotta add that too,” stated Jimmy Butler on press conference.

Buddy Hield and Jimmy Butler have always shared a playful relationship. Their chemistry fits perfectly with the Warriors’ culture, and their statements reflected that bond. Butler did not hesitate Buddy’s impact on court. Along with Draymond Green, he took charge in the defensive sector and stopped many of the Rockets’ offensive efforts. Moreover, he did not abandon his scoring role adding 15 points, further demonstrating his influence on the team’s performance.

Following their Game 4 victory, the Warriors are now just one win away from clinching a spot in the NBA playoff semifinals. However, the next challenge is tough. Game 5 will be at the Toyota Center. The Rockets kept things close in the last game. They lost by just four points and showed real fight. Because of that, Game 5 is expected to be tight and competitive.

Buddy Hield #7 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after making a three point basket against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on April 28, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

Stephen Curry gives a four-word message to describe Jimmy Butler’s performance

Despite his recent arrival to the Golden State Warriors, Jimmy has demonstrated his total commitment to making his name in the history of the franchise. Because of this, since his arrival, Butler has given an incredible performance in the team being an essential part of the balance of the roster.

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In this postseason, ‘Playoff Jimmy’ has been reborn. In two of the last three games in which he has participated, Butler has managed to surpass 24 points without leaving behind his defensive commitment. In the all-important Game 4, Jimmy became the undisputed offensive leader.

At the press conference, Stephen Curry was asked about Butler’s in-game performance to which 4 words were enough to describe him: “Sheer determination and Will.”

Then, Curry added “We held it down in Game 3. I know he wanted to be out there. Injuries are tough, especially in the playoffs but for him to gut through that first half and get the will to get turnt up [for] the second half—both ends of the floor. It’s why he is who he is. It’s why he means so much to us. Gutty performance for sure.“