Jalen Green's playoff debut highlighted his struggle under pressure, evident in his disappointing performance against the Golden State Warriors. Scoring only seven points in Game 1, Green felt overwhelmed but surged back with a 38-point game in the second. However, as the Rockets face elimination, concerns remain about their need for a consistent offensive leader. Despite their promising roster, including Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, the Rockets seem one step short of a championship-caliber unit. General Manager Rafael Stone emphasizes patience in development, eyeing future trades while remaining committed to their young talent.

The Houston Rockets faced a critical Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors, ultimately succumbing to a 3-1 series deficit. Coach Ime Udoka expressed dissatisfaction with the team's starts, particularly after a shaky first quarter that saw the Warriors score 13 unanswered points. The current starting lineup has shown defensive prowess but has struggled offensively, especially Jalen Green, who has been limited to single-digit scoring in each loss. The Rockets have also experimented with a 'jumbo lineup' featuring Steven Adams, which outperformed the starting five in terms of plus-minus.

Despite the lack of scoring consistency, the Rockets' defense has kept opponents' shooting percentages low. However, weaknesses remain, particularly in offensive execution and rebounding. With Game 5 looming, Udoka hinted at possible lineup changes to address these concerns, emphasizing the need for improved performance as they look to stave off elimination.

Draymond Green's defensive prowess was on full display during the Warriors’ Game 4 against the Rockets, showcasing why he was a finalist for this year's Defensive Player of the Year Award. With the game on the line, he forced Houston's Alperen Sengun into a difficult shot, ultimately leading to a clinching miss that put the Warriors up 3-1 in the series.

Green's strategic defense, along with Gary Payton II's timely play, demonstrated the Warriors' experience in high-pressure situations. Coach Ime Udoka noted that the defense effectively telegraphed Houston's last play, highlighting the stark contrast between the veteran-laden Warriors and a Rockets team still finding its footing in the playoffs.

The Houston Rockets faced a heartbreaking 109-106 loss against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of their playoff series, falling behind 3-1. A critical moment occurred in the final seconds when Alperen Sengun, having scored 31 points, found himself in isolation against Draymond Green. Despite a well-designed play aimed at creating a mismatch with Gary Payton II, poor execution led to a challenging shot for Sengun that ultimately missed. Rockets coach Ime Udoka faced scrutiny for trusting Sengun in that situation, although he defended his player's shot choice. Both Sengun and Fred VanVleet noted communication issues during the critical moment, which contributed to the unsuccessful play.

As the series progresses, the Rockets must address their free throw woes, having missed 12 of 31 attempts in this game. The loss puts additional pressure on the team to regroup before the next matchup. The Warriors capitalized on Houston's mistakes, showcasing their defensive prowess, particularly through Green's effective coverage against Sengun. This game serves as a reminder of the thin margins in playoff basketball, where each decision and execution can lead to victory or defeat.

The Houston Rockets faced a tough loss to the Golden State Warriors, demonstrating both potential and struggles in their playoff matchup. In Game 4, despite Alperen Şengün's impressive performance with 31 points and 10 rebounds, the Rockets fell short, losing 109-106. Coach Ime Udoka's pre-game advice urged Şengün to maintain aggression on offense, a strategy that paid off until crucial moments when defensive pressure from the Warriors took its toll. Şengün, who had previously rushed shots, showed improvement by attacking the rim effectively, especially when matched against a less formidable defender.

However, a missed game-winning shot against the Warriors' Draymond Green showcased the challenges the Rockets are facing in tight situations. Green's defensive prowess limited Şengün's effectiveness at critical junctures. The overall team dynamic reflected a mix of youth and experience, with veteran Steven Adams emphasizing the importance of offensive aggression to manipulate defenses. As the series continues, the Rockets have shown they can compete, but consistency remains key if they hope to avoid elimination.