“He’s the best defender I’ve ever seen in my life. He rises to the occasion,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “On top of being a great defender, he’s an incredible competitor. We’ve seen it. I’ve seen it for 11 years. Game on the line, Draymond making a stop. It’s like having Steph Curry take the shot.”

One more tech, and Green was gone. The officials went to the replay monitor, and came back with a strange ruling. Green was hit with a flagrant foul, but not a technical, for apparently using his left leg to "push Eason's face into the ground."

The fireworks on the court were typified by a viral interaction between Warriors star Jimmy Butler and the Rockets' Dillon Brooks, but the drama continued post-game as Golden State forward Draymond Green took exception with comments that former Rockets guard Eddie Johnson made on X.