Despite their lower seed, the No. 7 Warriors grasped firm control of the series after taking Game 1 in Houston and going up 3-1 after Game 4. But two games later, the playoff-seasoned Warriors find themselves in the same situation as the pesky, young Rockets. Win or go home.

The Rockets survived a second straight elimination game as Fred VanVleet continued to outplay Warriors star Steph Curry. Game 7 is Sunday in Houston.

Just two years ago, he exploded for 50 points and hit 20 of 38 field-goal attempts in a Game 7 on the road in the first round of the playoffs versus the Sacramento Kings. The Warriors won that game, 120-100, before falling in the next round.