Rockets End Warriors' Streak in Dramatic Fashion
The Houston Rockets ended their 15-game losing streak against the Golden State Warriors in electrifying fashion, clinching a 91-90 victory. This thrilling win not only secured the Rockets a passage to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas but also marked the end of the Warriors' journey in the NBA Cup.
Trailing by seven points with less than four minutes to go, the Rockets capitalized on the Warriors' inability to add to their score in the critical final minutes. Demonstrating both resilience and determination, the Rockets matched the Warriors' intensity, scoring seven unanswered points in the crucial moments of the game.
A Game-Changing Foul
With just 3.1 seconds remaining on the clock, the game took a pivotal turn when Jalen Green was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga. The foul, described by referee Billy Kennedy as involving contact with the neck and shoulder area, sent Green to the free-throw line. Seizing the moment, Green calmly converted both free throws, giving the Rockets a narrow one-point lead.
Jabari Smith delivered the final nail in the coffin for the Warriors by blocking Brandin Podziemski's shot attempt, ensuring the Rockets emerged victorious. This play underscored the relentless spirit of the Rockets in an exceptionally physically demanding game.
Controversy on the Court
The match was not without its controversy. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr vocally criticized the officiating, particularly the foul call involving Kuminga. "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 remarked post-game, clearly frustrated with the pivotal decision.
His criticisms didn’t stop there. "I've never seen that. I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable," Kerr added, indicating his disbelief at the call that ultimately altered the outcome. For Kerr, this was a missed opportunity for his team to secure what he believed was a deserved win. "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 stated.
Physical Play and Missed Opportunities
The game's physical nature played a significant role in shaping the outcome. The Warriors’ coach lamented the lack of consistency in officiating, noting, "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?" This frustration was evident as Kerr expressed his disappointment at the missed opportunity to compete further in the tournament. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," he concluded, summing up the emotions in the Warriors’ camp.
The Rockets, however, emerged as the team that seized the moment, ending a lengthy run of defeats against a formidable opponent. Their ability to turn the tables in the dying minutes of the game and secure a place in the next round speaks volumes about their gritty determination. As they advance to face the Thunder, the Rockets will look to build on this momentum, having showcased their resolve and ability to triumph in high-pressure situations.
This victory against the storied Warriors serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of basketball, where perseverance often pays off and the fortunes of teams can shift dramatically in mere seconds. The Rockets' win not only invigorates their campaign but also delivers a stern message to their upcoming opponents: underestimate them at your peril.