Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10), guard Brandin Podziemski and guard Stephen Curry (30) sit on the bench ...

Houston pounces on Golden State early and cruises to victory in Game 5, but a testy finish adds extra flavor for Friday's pivotal Game 6.

When the Golden State Warriors flew to Houston on the eve of Game 5 against the Houston Rockets, the visitors knew they had some margin for error.