In a gripping showdown that extended the Houston Rockets' recent streak of resilience, they edged out the Golden State Warriors with a nail-biting 91-90 victory. This win not only snapped their prolonged 15-game losing streak against the Warriors but also propelled them into the next round of the NBA Cup, where they are set to face the formidable Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas.
The Rockets’ triumph proved to be an elimination blow for the Warriors, pushing them out of contention for the NBA Cup. It was a hard-fought contest, exemplifying the tenacity of both teams as the Rockets clawed back from a seven-point deficit with less than four minutes remaining on the clock. The Warriors, unable to score in the final three minutes, found themselves on the losing side of an intense battle.
However, the game was not just about raw statistics and the final scoreline. It was also enveloped in a controversy that left Warriors head coach Steve Kerr visibly frustrated. The pivotal moment came with just 3.1 seconds left, as Jalen Green took a critical trip to the free-throw line following a foul by Jonathan Kuminga. Green, exuding coolness under pressure, sunk both shots to tip the scales in favor of the Rockets.
As the Warriors scrambled for a last-second redemption, Jabari Smith rose to meet Brandin Podziemski’s shot attempt with a decisive block, sealing the fate for Houston's advancement and an eruptive celebration in their camp.
Contentious Calls Ignite Debate
Steve Kerr minced no words in expressing his discontent over the foul call on Kuminga, which he believed was unfounded, especially in such a critical juncture of the game. "I've never seen a loose ball foul in a jump ball situation 80 feet from the basket with the game on the line," Kerr asserted. "I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable."
Referee Billy Kennedy clarified the call, noting it was due to contact in the neck and shoulder area. Yet for Kerr, the call overshadowed an otherwise hard-fought performance by his team. "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 lamented.
Rough and Tumble on the Court
The game's rugged nature did not go unnoticed, with both teams locked in what Kerr described as a "complete wrestling match." The Rockets, however, relished the physicality, finding an opportunity amid the chaos to press their advantage. Kerr further questioned the aggressive conditions allowed to persist throughout the match, railing against the inconsistency in officiating. "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?"
Despite the fiery contest and questionable calls, the Rockets’ ability to capitalize on pivotal moments once again underscored their fortitude. The Warriors, on the other hand, head home, pondering what might have been had those final ticks of the clock swung in their favor.
Las Vegas Showdown Awaits
As Houston packs their bags for Las Vegas, they carry forward a surge of momentum and belief in their capability to challenge top-flight opposition in the Cup. For the Warriors, who aspired to seize victory and advance further, the loss stings, compounded by circumstances beyond just a box score. Expressing his disappointment, Kerr stated, "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup."
The Rockets' journey continues, buoyed by a newfound tenacity that will be tested yet again. Meanwhile, the Warriors must reconcile with their abrupt exit, dissecting a performance colored by unyielding defense but tainted by the frustration of a disputed decision. As the dust settles on this chapter, both teams are poised for what's next—each following their respective paths shaped by the night's emotional rollercoaster.