When the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of the first-round playoff series in 2024, most fans expected a competitive matchup. What unfolded instead was a historic blowout — not just in terms of the final score, but in the sheer disparity between the starting lineups. The Warriors’ starters outscored the Rockets’ starters by an eye-popping 61 points, a margin so staggering that it tied for the largest differential in a playoff game since 1971.
Yes, 1971. Over five decades of playoff basketball have come and gone, and no starting lineup has been more thoroughly outplayed than the Rockets’ was that night, at least not since the early days of the NBA-ABA merger era. The numbers tell a brutal story. Golden State’s starting five — led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney — combined for 94 points. Houston’s starters managed just 33.
Curry led the charge, dropping 36 points on a blistering shooting night, while Thompson added 22 with his signature smooth stroke from beyond the arc. Wiggins brought energy on both ends, and Draymond Green played his usual Swiss Army knife role, facilitating the offense and locking down defensively. It was a display of chemistry and experience from a core group that has been through countless playoff battles together.
In stark contrast, the Rockets’ young core looked shell-shocked. Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr. struggled to find any rhythm, combining for poor shooting splits and a flurry of turnovers. Whether it was the pressure of the moment or simply being outmatched by a seasoned team, Houston’s starters were never able to get going. The lack of offensive flow, defensive breakdowns, and general inexperience were all on full display.
What makes this stat so significant is how rare such a disparity truly is in the postseason. Playoff games are typically tightly contested affairs, where even underdogs rise to the occasion. For a team’s starting five to be outscored by 61 points is not just a loss — it’s a collapse. And to be tied for the largest such gap in over 50 years only amplifies the magnitude of the beatdown.
For Golden State, the performance was a statement. Despite questions about their age and durability, the core group reminded the league that playoff experience still matters. They played with precision, poise, and hunger, using the Rockets’ inexperience to their advantage.
For Houston, it’s a tough but valuable lesson. Their young stars have potential, but the road to contention requires more than talent — it requires grit, consistency, and time.
The 61-point gap will be remembered not just as a statistical oddity, but as a symbol of the divide between a battle-tested dynasty and an up-and-coming team still trying to find its identity.
