Rockets Snap Warriors' Streak in Thrilling Showdown
The Golden State Warriors' recent struggles against the Houston Rockets continued as their 15-game winning streak against their rivals came to an abrupt end. In a nail-biting contest, the Rockets triumphed 91-90 over the Warriors, eliminating them from the NBA Cup and setting their sights on their next challenge against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas.
Rockets' Comeback
The game unfolded with a high degree of intensity, marked by a stunning comeback from the Rockets. With less than four minutes left on the clock, the Rockets found themselves trailing by seven points. Demonstrating resilience, they scored seven unanswered points while the Warriors failed to find the basket in the final three minutes. This stunning turnaround was capped off by a dramatic series of events in the dying seconds.
Controversial Call at the Crucial Moment
In a moment that would prove pivotal, Jalen Green was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga with just 3.1 seconds remaining on the clock. Green, showing nerves of steel, sank both free throws to hand the Rockets a slender one-point lead. The Warriors, however, had one last chance to turn the tide. As Brandin Podziemski attempted a last-second shot, Jabari Smith rose to the occasion, securing the victory with a game-saving block.
Coach Steve Kerr's Discontent
The game was not without controversy, particularly regarding the foul called against Kuminga. Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr vehemently criticized the decision, lamenting, "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 frustration was palpable as he continued, "I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable."
Kerr's critique extended to the overall officiating of the match, noting the physical nature of play that had been largely unpoliced until the pivotal call. "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?" Kerr questioned.
Emotions Run High
The end of the match left Kerr and his players feeling aggrieved, a sentiment encapsulated in Kerr's stark appraisal, "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."
The Warriors' coach did not hide his disappointment, especially with the opportunity to compete further in Las Vegas now gone. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," he expressed candidly.
Physical Battle
This match exemplified the nature of high-stakes basketball, a blend of skill, tension, and physicality. The Warriors’ coach went as far as to describe the game as a "complete wrestling match," a description that underscores the level of intensity and physical engagement on display. Despite the tough, physical nature of the battle, the Rockets capitalized on the opportunity, seizing the win and advancing further into the Cup.
The Rockets' victory is not only significant in ending their losing streak against the Warriors but also positions them with momentum as they face the Thunder in Las Vegas. As the dust settles, questions about officiating will linger, but for the Rockets, this match adds a memorable chapter to their narrative this season.
The Warriors, on the other hand, are left to regroup, analyze, and prepare for the next challenge, with the bitter taste of this narrow defeat driving them forward.