Rockets Edge Past Warriors in Dramatic Fashion
In a nail-biting encounter that felt more like a gritty wrestling match than a basketball game, the Houston Rockets snapped their 15-game losing streak against the Golden State Warriors with a thrilling 91-90 victory. The win not only pushed the Rockets forward to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas, but it also ousted the Warriors from the NBA Cup, dramatically changing the course of their season.
Trailing by seven points with a little under four minutes remaining, the Rockets showcased resilience and determination. They went on to score seven unanswered points, stifling the Warriors' offense completely in the crucial final three minutes. The pivotal moment arrived when Jalen Green was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga with only 3.1 seconds left on the clock. With immense poise, Green sank both free throws to push the Rockets ahead by one point. This narrow lead was safeguarded when Jabari Smith pulled off a crucial block against Brandin Podziemski’s last-second shot attempt, cementing Houston’s dramatic win.
Controversy in the Clutch
The match was further intensified by the physicality that bordered on contentious, prompting Warriors head coach Steve Kerr to voice his frustrations post-game. The decisive call on Jonathan Kuminga, labeled as a foul, had Kerr fuming on the sidelines and echoing his sentiment in the press room. Referee Billy Kennedy explained the controversial call as contact made with Kuminga’s neck and shoulder area during a critical juncture near the game's end.
In a candid outburst, Kerr stated, "I've never seen a loose ball foul in a jump ball situation 80 feet from the basket with the game on the line." His incredulity did not 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 further expanded on his discontent, "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."
A Clash of Styles
The game reflected a palpable blend of basketball and physical contest, a point Kerr emphasized, "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?" The tension and emotions conveyed the stakes, as the Warriors had their sights set on the NBA Cup in Las Vegas.
Following the game, Kerr's disappointment was evident. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," he admitted, reflecting both his aspirations for the team and the abrupt end to their journey.
With this win, the Rockets head to Las Vegas buoyed by a performance that displayed their tenacity and capacity to seize opportunities amidst adversity. Their triumph over the Warriors not only extinguished a longstanding streak of defeats but signaled their intent to disrupt the narrative in the NBA Cup. As the stage shifts to Oklahoma City Thunder for the Rockets, the Warriors are left to reconvene and reflect on an encounter that will undoubtedly linger in the minds of players and fans alike.