HOUSTON — With four games of physicality, scuffles and technical fouls as evidence, it is obvious the Warriors and Rockets will enter Wednesday’s Game 5 in Houston with bad blood between the teams.
There were five technical fouls handed out between the teams on Monday when the Warriors prevailed 109-106 at Chase Center, a victory that handed Golden State a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Though Draymond Green and his Warriors teammates avoided being drawn into a suspension-causing incident, coach Steve Kerr said maintaining composure during the the potential close-out Game 5 remained a point of emphasis.
“With the physicality of it, the emotion of it, we have to stay poised,” Kerr said.
That’s not all Kerr discussed during his pregame media availability.
Hield’s defense a pleasant surprise
In a series defined by defense, even renowned non-stoppers have had positive moments on that side of the ball. Buddy Hield picked Jalen Green’s pocket twice to start the game and also grabbed a few rebounds when he got the unexpected start.
“He’s actually a really good defender, because he’s strong and he’s quick,” Kerr said. “Now he gets out of position sometimes, and he’ll make some crazy gambles so he’s not known as a defender … but I think he’s a really good on-ball defender and he did a good job against Jalen.”
Jimmy’s comeback
Hield has had a very public faux feud with Jimmy Butler since “Playoff Jimmy” arrived in February.
After missing much of Game 2 and all of Game 3 with a bruised pelvis, Butler returned for Game 4. He hobbled through the first three quarters and then scored 14 of his 27 points in the fourth period to close out the Warriors’ victory.
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Though Butler is still recovering and feeling the effects of the hard fall sustained in the second game of the series, he’ll be ready to take on the Rockets.
“I’m sure he’s still in pain, but he’ll be ready to go,” Kerr said.
Adams could see more time vs. Warriors
Steven Adams has been unstoppable on the offensive boards against the Warriors, grabbing 15 offensive rebounds in just 81 minutes. He played 26 minutes in Game 4, a high for the series.
Rockets coach Ime Udoka said there is no minutes limit for the veteran center, and Kerr went to the Hack a Shaq tactic in the second half to get Adams (46.2% FT shooter) out of the game.