All it took was one offensive foul and a small taunt for all hell to break loose in Game 4 between the Warriors and the Rockets. The series has been intense. Both teams have played with a chip on their shoulder. The physicality has amounted to injuries and tantalizing action. Tonight, it went a step further as Stephen Curry and Dillon Brooks got a little chippy.

The possession was innocent. Draymond Green set an illegal screen, and the Rockets were to get the ball. Curry, though, in his continuation dribble clashed with Brooks, who stood firmly to return Green’s favor on Amen Thompson. That ticked off ‘The Chef’. He put up two fingers in Brooks’ face as a means of taunting the Warriors’ 2-1 foothold.

That is all it took. Brooks tried to challenge Stephen Curry when Green and other players, as well as security, tried to separate the three guys from each other. After a long look at the incident, the referees had several punishments to hand out. Firstly, Curry was hit with a technical foul for his taunt, which began the entire scuffle.

Moreover, Brooks and Green were also awarded technical fouls for playing a part in escalating the situation. It may sound surprising, but it didn’t seem like the Warriors forward did much to warrant a tech. Still, with how quickly the temperatures rose, the officials seemed to have no choice but to penalize everybody involved in the incident.

The series between the Rockets and Warriors has had such moments. It’s intense, and every player is wearing their pride on their sleeves. And when a series is as evenly matched, it’s almost more likely to see such a scenario. Game 4 has been a cutthroat contest like all the other games.

A game to decide the series

Game 4 holds all the cards for how this Warriors-Rockets first-round series could progress ahead. The scoreline at halftime is indicative of the tense atmosphere. The Rockets hold a slight edge, leading by seven going into the half. For the Warriors, a hobbled Jimmy Butler has returned early for this game.

That’s how vital it is to the series.

A home win for the Warriors gives them two chances to close out this series before avoiding a Game 7. A closeout game at home holds major implications in the postseason. On the other hand, this is a must-win for the Rockets after losing Game 1. Tying the series shifts the advantage to them as they look to battle from behind.

Despite his scuffle, Dillon Brooks is showing out for Houston with 11 points and five rebounds at the half. Fred VanVleet, who has struggled all series, has also notched up 12 points to lead the Rockets in the first half. On the other hand, Brandin Podziemski and Stephen Curry have combined for 23 of the Warriors’ 50 points.

For Houston, it’s imperative for them to build on their marginal lead and seal this game as soon as possible. Because at the Chase Center, the crowd can be a great influence in inspiring the Warriors. Moreover, with Butler back, going into the clutch could be a recipe for disaster. It’s shaping up to be another thrilling matchup between these two Western Conference sides.

But will Dillon Brooks have to pay the price for trying to instigate Stephen Curry as the Rockets did in Game 3? And who takes this one home? Let us know your views in the comments below.