Rockets Snap Losing Streak, Eliminate Warriors in Nail-Biting Finish
The Houston Rockets triumphed over the Golden State Warriors in a dramatic 91-90 victory, breaking a 15-game losing streak against the team. This thrilling encounter was marked by late-game heroics and controversial officiating, ultimately advancing the Rockets to a face-off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas, while eliminating the Warriors from the NBA Cup.
Trailing by seven points with less than four minutes left, the Rockets orchestrated a remarkable comeback. They held the Warriors scoreless for the final three minutes while scoring seven points of their own. The climax of this intense matchup came with Jalen Green's decisive free throws, which gave the Rockets a slender one-point lead. It was Green's composure at the line, following a foul by Jonathan Kuminga with just 3.1 seconds on the clock, that sealed their fate as victors.
Adding to the drama, Jabari Smith's block on Brandin Podziemski's shot attempt secured the win. However, the game was not without its controversy. The contentious foul call on Kuminga was a focal point post-game, described by referee Billy Kennedy as an incident involving contact with the neck and shoulder area. The decision drew sharp criticism from Warriors' coach Steve Kerr, who likened the game to a "complete wrestling match."
Controversy On and Off the Court
The officiating became a significant talking point, with Steve Kerr voicing strong disapproval. He expressed disbelief at the foul call, stating, "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, clearly frustrated, added, "I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable."
Kerr was candid about his disappointment and frustration, further 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." Emphasizing the physicality of the game, Kerr remarked, "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?" His anger was palpable as he concluded, "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup."
Rockets Rise Above
Amid the chaos, the Rockets capitalized on their opportunity to clinch a hard-fought victory, exhibiting resilience and tenacity. For Houston, this win not only ended a significant losing streak against a mighty opponent but also propelled them further in their NBA Cup ambitions. The team’s ability to navigate the hostile, physical conditions of the game remains a testament to their grit and determination.
As the Rockets prepare for their upcoming battle against the Thunder in Las Vegas, this triumph serves as a crucial morale booster. For the Warriors, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, given not only the ending of their Cup aspirations but also the debate surrounding the officiating. Both teams will undoubtedly reflect on this encounter, each extracting its own lessons and motivations for the future.