From the very start, Brandin was obsessed with getting better, with making the NBA, and being the very best version of himself.”

The Golden State Warriors were able to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets after a tight 109-106 victory on Monday night. Brandin Podziemski played a crucial part in securing the ball game in the Warriors' favor.

The Warriors on Feb. 5 sent a protected 2025 first-round pick and four players — Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, and Lindy Waters III — to various destinations in the complicated, multi-team deal that brought Butler to the Bay from Miami. Golden State signed Butler to a two-year, $121 million contract extension through 2027.

There were three technical fouls given to each team, plus one flagrant foul on Jalen Green when he struck Draymond Green in the face, during Game 2. There was also a scuffle at midcourt during the fourth quarter, which saw Rockets forward Tari Eason throw a towel at Warriors reserve Pat Spencer.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) speaks to referee Pat Fraher during the third quarter of game four of the 2025 NBA Playoffs first round against the Houston Rockets at Chase Center.