The playoffs are on, and we have seen some high-tension drama between the teams. The Boston Celtics – Orlando Magic series and the New York Knicks – Detroit Pistons series have given us some intense, physical moments. With Dillon Brooks on one side and Draymond Green on the other, the Houston Rockets – Golden State Warriors series has served up its own share of heated brawls and battles. Jalen Green was squaring up to Draymond at the end of Game 3 after the Warriors forward had instigated the Houston guard by making a painting finger nails gesture. It seems like the tensions from that game were carried over to Game 4 as well. With all the heated tension in the game, Stephen Curry did remember that other people also stand around the court and had a thoughtful moment that stood out in Game 4.
The game was a constant back-and-forth between the two teams till halftime. Both teams matched each other in pace, scoring, defence and aggression. Aggression was rampant in the game, all right, with Draymond, Steph and Brooks each getting technical fouls for getting into a scuffle and then players from both teams had to separate the three. In another possession, Draymond was once fighting with another Houston player. This time, it was Tari Eason.
Amidst all this chaos, Steph Curry did remember to hand out a considerate gesture to a cameraman sitting beside the back of the rim. He scored a layup and landed very close to where all the cameramen were sitting. One of them flinched and was caught by surprise when Curry’s feet were close to him. The Warriors’ superstar handed out a gesture to convey the fact that it was unintentional (which the cameramen must’ve known, considering Curry was coming off a layup) and also to make sure he was okay. This moment was a stark contrast to the aggressive commotion that was happening in the game.
steph apologizing with his hand after seeing the cameraman stumble because of him pic.twitter.com/JPO16BsQeL
— nana (@namxsj) April 29, 2025
In fact, Steph Curry was the one who instigated Dillon Brooks in the second quarter. Draymond Green set a screen on Amen Thompson to shield Curry while he dribbled past them. Dillon Brooks then hit Curry on the hip and fouled him, causing the Warriors guard to fall to the floor. Steph then started teasing Brooks that he’s got two fouls by waving two fingers in front of him.
As Draymond was picking up Steph from the floor, Brooks tried to grab the ball out of Steph aggressively. Green, never needing an invitation in such scenarios, got in on the tussle and sparked an incident which required players from both the bench and even the Houston Rockets coaching staff to rush to the scene and break up the three of them. All three of them were hit with technical fouls.
Later, in the same quarter, Tari Eason stole the ball from Draymond Green. The Warriors forward then turned around and lunged to stop Eason, causing them both to fall down on the ground. Then, Draymond’s feet landed pretty hard on Eason’s head. Tari then confronted Draymond, and Green grabbed his collar for a brief moment, causing a commotion once again. Other players had to get involved again to separate the two. Well, it was quite an intense game, and everyone was ready to get at each other from the start. After the halftime break, things settled down and the Warriors started developing a healthy lead over the Rockets.
And then Butler turned on ‘Warrior’ mode and went rampant as he scored 23 of his 27 points in the second half. Out of the 23 points, 14 of them were scored in the 4th quarter alone, reminding everyone why he’s called “Playoff Jimmy”. With the Rockets managing to keep the ball out of Steph Curry’s hands for most of the game (he finished with 17 points), Butler made sure that the Warriors took a 3-1 series lead with the 109-106 win in Game 4. And that has gotten his spirits up high, which will disappoint Miami Heat fans and delight the Warriors fanbase.
Jimmy’s got his mojo back!
Jimmy Butler stirred up the rumour mill a few months ago when he was still part of the Miami Heat. Remember when he said that he wanted to get his joy back from playing basketball and probably couldn’t see it happening in the Sunshine State. Well, the Bay Area has given him his joy back.
Speaking to TNT Sport’s Allie LaForce after the game, Jimmy was asked, “ Well, Jimmy, we meet again as your teammates come over to you, just pour you with love, saying this is why we got you. How rewarding is hearing that from your new teammates?” To which, Butler replied, “It means the world. I’ll die for these guys. For real. It’s so fun. I got my joy back, as some would say. But more than anything, it’s always good to win.”
Feb 21, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) poses for a photo during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
He’s certainly got his joy back, that’s for sure. He is no longer the sulking Jimmy we saw towards the end of his Miami career. He is beaming every time he steps on the court with the Warriors, with his emotions running high like we know them to be when it comes to him. He has averaged similar numbers (around 17 points per game) compared to his Miami days this season. But the same numbers have had a greater impact on the Warriors team with a much better supporting cast of Steph Curry and co. If Playoff Jimmy stays joyous and switched on, then the Golden State Warriors are a dangerous underdog that can sneak up on anyone in these playoffs.
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