Even if they’re unable to truly contain Curry (or Butler), they’ll need to tighten the hedges elsewhere. Role players like Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II can’t combine for 33 points on 5-for-14 3s. Alperen Şengün can’t get completely shut down in critical moments by Draymond Green. Houston has to find ways to work around the pressure from Golden State that they know is coming Jalen Green’s way. And if Game 3 — and Brooks’ eventual disqualification — is an indicator, they’ll need to find the fine balance between physicality and legality. From an advanced numbers standpoint, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how these games can be won, on either side. All three games have been an ode to 90s-style brawls, a methodical, 48-minute roast. But if the Rockets can’t figure out a way to solve their Curry equation — and soon — their magical season will come to a close. If Houston thought Game 3 was a hostile environment — Draymond Green’s taunting of Jalen Green after the final whistle was the perfect encapsulation of the tensions between both sides — Game 4, with an opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 lead, will be pugnacious. -via New York Times / April 27, 2025