Rockets End Warriors' Streak in Dramatic NBA Cup Clash
Rockets End Warriors' Streak in Dramatic NBA Cup Clash
In a game packed with drama and emotion, the Houston Rockets clinched a nail-biting 91-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors, ending a 15-game losing streak against their formidable rivals. As the final buzzer sounded, it was clear that this clash would be talked about for some time, not just because of the result, but also due to the contentious moments that defined it.
The Rockets, trailing by seven points with less than four minutes on the clock, exhibited remarkable grit and resilience. They closed the gap through tenacious defense and clutch scoring, while the Warriors were uncharacteristically held scoreless in the final three minutes. The narrative took a crucial twist when Jalen Green, fouled by Jonathan Kuminga with just 3.1 seconds left, coolly converted two free throws to secure a one-point lead for the Rockets. This moment proved decisive, advancing the Rockets to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas and eliminating the Warriors from the NBA Cup.
Controversial Call and Game’s Physicality
The game was not only distinguished by its close scoreline but also the physical style of play, which Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr described as a "complete wrestling match." Kerr's post-game comments highlighted the physical contest and the dramatic turn of events regarding the officiating. "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, clearly frustrated with the late-game officiating. His bewilderment continued as he referred to the call as "unconscionable," comparing it to something he might have seen only once during a collegiate game decades ago.
The foul called on Kuminga, explained by referee Billy Kennedy as involving contact with the neck and shoulder area, was undoubtedly pivotal. Kerr did not hold back his disappointment, lamenting, "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."
Rockets' Poise Under Pressure
While emotions ran high on the Warriors’ bench, the Rockets were unperturbed by the night's physicality and capitalized on their opportunity to break their streak. Jabari Smith's notable block on Brandin Podziemski’s potential game-winning shot underscored the defensive prowess that helped Houston clinch this victory. Coach Kerr, reflecting on the officiating consistency, expressed his incredulity, "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?"
Clearly, the game was not just a match but a saga filled with emotion and intensity. The Warriors, accustomed to walking away as victors against the Rockets, were left to reflect on an unexpected turn of fate attributed, in part, to officiating choices that left Kerr and his players steaming. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," Kerr stated, capturing the frustration that epitomized the Warriors' exit from the NBA Cup.
For the Rockets, the victory signaled a turning point—a testament to their ability to withstand pressure and clinch wins against formidable opponents. As they move forward in the tournament, questions about how these moments will shape their future outings remain. The Warriors, meanwhile, are left dealing with their abrupt NBA Cup exit and the echoes of a controversial night in basketball.
