The Rockets End 15-Game Skid, Eliminate Warriors in NBA Cup Thriller
The Rockets End 15-Game Skid, Eliminate Warriors in NBA Cup Thriller
In a dramatic contest that swung at the cusp of unpredictability, the Houston Rockets stunned the Golden State Warriors with a 91-90 victory, putting an end to a 15-game losing streak against the powerhouse franchise. This exciting win not only secured their advancement to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas but also eliminated the Warriors from contention in the NBA Cup.
In a game characterized by high tension and physicality, the Warriors found themselves ahead by seven points with just under four minutes remaining. Yet, in a remarkable turn of events, the Rockets conjured a spirited comeback, scoring seven unanswered points and rendering the Warriors scoreless in the crucial closing minutes.
With 3.1 seconds left on the clock, the pivotal moment arrived. Jalen Green was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga, as determined by referee Billy Kennedy, who later cited contact with the neck and shoulder area as the reason for the call. Standing resolute at the free-throw line, Green converted both opportunities, pushing the Rockets to a slender one-point lead.
As the game hung in suspense, Jabari Smith's pivotal block of Brandin Podziemski's attempted shot ensured the Rockets' victory. This defensive stand cemented a win achieved despite a contest that, according to Warriors' coach Steve Kerr, could only be described as a "complete wrestling match."
Controversy Amidst Triumph
The closing moments were not without controversy. Kerr, visibly frustrated by the officiating, remarked, "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 wasn’t shy in his disapproval, adding, "I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable."
Further voicing his dissatisfaction, Kerr empathized with his team, feeling they were unjustly deprived of a potential victory. "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' head coach continued to express his discontent over the fluctuating standards during the game. "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?" Kerr questioned the consistency in officiating, underscoring the confusion and frustration felt on the court.
Focus on a New Challenge
With the Warriors left to ponder what could have been, the Rockets celebrated a hard-fought win. Advances in the NBA Cup mean they now brace for a challenging encounter with the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas. Their high spirits, however, were momentarily dampened by the game's intense physical nature, which they managed to overcome to clinch victory.
For Steve Kerr, the disappointment was palpable. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," he admitted, reflecting on the lost opportunity to advance further. The outcome was not what the Warriors envisioned, but it was a testament to the unexpected thrills and heartbreaks that define the sport.
In conclusion, the Rockets’ victory serves as a significant moment, reflecting their resilience in breaking a losing streak and setting their sights on new challenges. As they prepare to face the Thunder, the question remains whether they can capitalize on this momentum. Meanwhile, the Warriors will be tasked with regrouping and addressing the issues that narrowly cost them their NBA Cup aspirations.
