The Rockets held a 57-50 halftime lead, and led 101-97 with 4:20 to play, but a hobbled Jimmy Butler made some key plays down the stretch, including some clutch free throws, as the Warriors held off the Rockets 109-106 on Monday night to take a 3-1 series lead in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Alperen Sengun led the way for the Rockets with 31 points and ten rebounds, but his shot to take the lead in the final :13 seconds was missed as Jimmy Butler pulled down the rebound and was immediately fouled. Fred VanVleet had an incredible shooting night, making 8 of 12 three pointers, finishing with 25 points.
But the Rockets made just 19 of 31 free throws for 61%, while the Warriors shot a staggering 20 of 22 at the line for 90%. Houston will return home on Wednesday to host a Game 5 as they attempt to stave off elimination.
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