Rockets Edge Out Warriors in Tight Contest
The Houston Rockets have ended their long-standing losing streak against the Golden State Warriors in a nail-biting fashion, clinching a 91-90 victory that propelled them into the next round against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas. The victory also marked the surprising elimination of the Warriors from the NBA Cup, a shock that resonated deeply within the Warriors' camp.
A Dramatic Finish
With less than four minutes on the clock, the Rockets were trailing by seven points, a position that seemed all too familiar against a team they had not defeated in 15 previous encounters. Yet, in a dramatic turnaround, Houston managed to score seven points and clamped down defensively, rendering the Warriors scoreless for the final stretch of the game.
The pivotal moment came in the waning seconds of the game. Jalen Green, showing nerves of steel, was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga with just 3.1 seconds remaining. At the free-throw line, Green converted both attempts with clinical precision, nudging the Rockets into a slender one-point lead.
Sealing the Victory
The drama continued right until the buzzer, with Jabari Smith delivering a crucial defensive play by blocking Brandin Podziemski's shot attempt. This last-second defensive stance secured a hard-fought win for Houston and sent them on their way to face Oklahoma City in a bid for the NBA Cup glory.
Controversy in the Closing Moments
Post-game, a cloud of controversy lingered over the crucial foul call against Kuminga, which was meticulously detailed by referee Billy Kennedy. He explained that the foul was called due to contact with Green's neck and shoulder area, a decision that was met with disbelief and frustration by the Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr.
Kerr didn't shy away from expressing his displeasure, stating, "I've never seen a loose ball foul in a jump ball situation 80 feet from the basket with the game on the line." His bewilderment was palpable as he likened the call to a rare occurrence, mentioning, "I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable."
He continued, emphasizing his belief that his team was denied a fair opportunity at the game's close. "I feel for our guys. They deserved to win that game or at least have the chance for one stop at the end to finish the game," Kerr lamented, adding, "And that was taken from us by a call that I don't think an elementary school referee would have made."
A Physical Encounter
The matchup was heated and intensely physical, a factor acknowledged by both teams. The Warriors' coach further critiqued the nature of officiating, saying, "You've established you're not going to call anything throughout the game. It’s a physical game and you're gonna call a loose ball foul in a jump ball situation with guys diving on the floor with the game on the line?"
Reflections and Regrets
The disappointment was tangible as Kerr reflected on the missed opportunity to compete in Las Vegas, clearly stating his frustration: "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup."
Despite the fracas over the officiating, the Rockets capitalized on their opportunity, displaying resilience and determination to wrestle control of a game that teetered on a knife-edge from start to finish. For Houston, the win not only ends a prolonged spell of defeats at the hands of the Warriors but also injects fresh momentum into their campaign as they march forward in the competition.
The Rockets will now set their sights on the Oklahoma City Thunder, as their journey through the NBA Cup intensifies, buoyed by a victory that required grit, nerve, and a touch of fortune.