The Golden State Warriors’ hopes for advancing in the NBA Cup were dashed by a gripping defeat against the Houston Rockets, who emerged victorious with a narrow 91-90 win. This victory ended the Warriors' 15-game losing streak against the Rockets and progressed the Rockets to a showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas.
Stunning Turnaround
The Rockets’ resilience came to light in the closing moments of the game. Trailing by seven points with just under four minutes remaining, the team held the Warriors scoreless during a critical stretch, while methodically closing the gap. Houston managed to score seven points, employing both strategy and precision to claw their way back into contention.
A pivotal moment occurred when Jonathan Kuminga of the Warriors fouled Jalen Green with a mere 3.1 seconds left on the clock. Despite the physical intensity that characterized the game, Green remained composed, converting both free throws, granting the Rockets a crucial one-point lead.
Securing the Victory
In the closing seconds, tension reached its peak as the Warriors' Brandin Podziemski made a final attempt to regain the lead for his team. However, those hopes were firmly blocked by Jabari Smith, sealing a hard-fought win for the Rockets. The victory not only eliminated the Warriors from the NBA Cup contention but also provided a morale-boosting triumph for the Houston team.
Controversial Call
The game was not without its controversies, a sentiment vocalized by Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr. Reflecting on the crucial moment where Green was fouled, Kerr expressed incredulity, 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." He elaborated on the uniqueness of the decision, "I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable."
In a game that was notably physical, Kerr's frustrations were apparent as he argued that the nature of officiating shifted unfavorably during the decisive moments. He remarked, "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?"
Emotions Run High
The disappointment was evident as Kerr lamented the opportunity lost due to the controversial call. "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. And that was taken from us by a call that I don't think an elementary school referee would have made," he articulated, highlighting the emotional toll on the team. The intensity of the contest, described as a "complete wrestling match," seemed to add an extra layer of frustration for Kerr and his squad.
In the aftermath, the focus inevitably shifts to what the future holds for both teams. The Rockets will ride the high of their victory into Las Vegas, buoyed by their ability to thrive under pressure. For the Warriors, it’s a period of reflection and revaluation, seeking to channel the disappointment into motivation for future contests. As Kerr noted with a discernible pang, "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup."
In a game teetering on the edge of physicality, opportunity, and controversy, the Rockets emerged with a hard-earned triumph. This victory, while layered with contentious calls and emotional responses, underscores the unpredictable, electrifying nature of basketball—where every second and every decision counts.