Rockets Break Warriors' Streak, Advance in NBA Cup
The Houston Rockets pulled off a dramatic victory against the Golden State Warriors, snapping a 15-game losing streak against the vaunted franchise with a nail-biting 91-90 win. This triumph advanced the Rockets to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas and simultaneously eliminated the Warriors from the NBA Cup, marking a significant moment for the Houston team and its loyal fans.
In a game where every second was fiercely contested, the Rockets found themselves in a precarious situation, trailing by seven points with less than four minutes left on the clock. Amidst the tension and pressure, Houston demonstrated resilience by scoring seven unanswered points while keeping the Warriors scoreless during the final three minutes. The pivotal moment came when Jalen Green was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga with just 3.1 seconds remaining on the clock. Green's nerves of steel were apparent as he calmly sank both free throws, catapulting the Rockets into a one-point lead that they would fiercely defend till the end.
The match, characterized by its intense physicality, was described as a "complete wrestling match" by Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr. The competing teams fought tooth and nail, but it was the Rockets who seized the opportunity amid the chaos. An essential defensive highlight came from Jabari Smith, who blocked Brandin Podziemski's shot attempt, effectively securing the Rockets' prestigious victory. The physical nature of the game stirred some controversy, especially surrounding the crucial call on Kuminga. Referee Billy Kennedy explained that the decision was made due to contact with the neck and shoulder area, a ruling that drew heated comments from Kerr.
Steve Kerr Voices Frustration Over Key Foul
In the tense post-game atmosphere, Steve Kerr was forthright about his frustration: "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 remarked. Echoing his sentiment, he added, "I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable." Kerr's ire stemmed from what he perceived as an unjust decision, robbing his team of a fair chance to close out the game.
Kerr further expressed his empathy for his players, stating, "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 was visibly affected by the abrupt end to their NBA Cup journey. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," he confessed, underlining the significance of the lost opportunity.
Throughout the game, the Rockets showcased not just their tenacity but also their ability to adapt under pressure. With the referee’s whistle largely silent for most of the intense contest, the late-game call was unexpected and pivotal. Kerr’s lament, "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?" encapsulated the bewilderment of the Warriors’ bench and their fans alike.
A Turning Point for the Rockets
The victory for Houston was not just about ending a long streak of defeats against the Warriors; it was a testament to their resolve and focus as they move forward in the NBA Cup. This win could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Rockets, who have been striving to re-establish themselves as a formidable contender in the league.
As the Rockets prep themselves to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, they carry with them the momentum and confidence gained from one of their most thrilling victories in recent memory. For the Warriors, this loss will serve as a moment of reflection as they regroup and plan their next steps in the ongoing season.
The NBA Cup journey continues to unfold with unexpected twists and fierce competition, and the Rockets' victory over the Warriors stands out as a highlight—a testament to the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of basketball at its best.