Buddy Hield gave the Warriors a 102-101 lead on a sidestep 3-pointer with 3:18 left in the fourth quarter, the hosts’ first lead in six minutes. Butler pushed it to a three-point advantage with a tough layup over two defenders a minute later.

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.

Nuggets advance to Round 2, Warriors clash with Rockets in must-win Game 7 and Cavs host Pacers in Game 1 of East semis.