Rockets End Warriors' Streak in Nail-Biting Finish
In a game that felt more like a physical showdown than a basketball match, the Houston Rockets ended a 15-game losing streak against the Golden State Warriors with a dramatic 91-90 victory. The narrow win, secured in the final seconds at the NBA Cup, not only sent the Rockets forward to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas but also eliminated the Warriors from the tournament, leaving a bitter taste for the Golden State contingent.
A Game of High Tensions and High Drama
As the clock wound down, the pressure mounted on both sides, and the intensity on the court was palpable. With less than four minutes to play, the Rockets found themselves trailing by seven points. However, they showcased resilience—rallying to score seven unanswered points while stifling the Warriors, who went scoreless in the final three minutes.
The turning point came when Jalen Green, the Rockets' dynamic guard, was fouled by Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga with just 3.1 seconds remaining. Referee Billy Kennedy justified the contentious call by pointing to contact around the neck and shoulder area. Green, unfazed by the game's high stakes, coolly converted both free throws, edging the Rockets into a one-point lead.
The game reached its crescendo when Rockets' forward Jabari Smith executed a critical block against Brandin Podziemski's shot attempt, ensuring that Houston's slender lead held until the final buzzer.
Controversy and Criticism
Post-game, Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr did not hold back his frustrations 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 stated candidly. His incredulity reflected a sentiment shared by many on the Warriors' bench. "I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable," Kerr continued.
Emphasizing the toll the game had taken on his team, Kerr expressed deep sympathy for his players. "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," he asserted, suggesting the officiating deprived his team of a rightful opportunity. "That was taken from us by a call that I don't think an elementary school referee would have made," added Kerr, painting a vivid picture of his disdain.
A Physical Battle with High Stakes
The match itself was described as a "complete wrestling match" by Kerr, illustrating the intense level of physical contention that characterized the game. The Rockets, however, were able to capitalize on this intensity, using it to fuel their comeback and ultimately secure their win.
The Warriors' veteran coach, known for his strategic acumen and ability to remain composed, allowed a rare glimpse into his personal disappointment, "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup." His words underline the ambition and competitive drive that are hallmarks of the Golden State team.
Looking Forward
While the result was disheartening for the Warriors, it provided the Rockets with an exhilarating boost, casting aside old grievances of a prolonged losing streak and setting them on a path to potentially claim more victories in the tournament. The upcoming face-off against the Oklahoma City Thunder now looms large with implications that stretch beyond the immediate game.
As both teams move forward, the Warriors will likely analyze this contest to learn and adapt, ensuring that they are better prepared for future high-pressure situations. The Rockets, on the other hand, bask in a hard-earned victory, hopeful that this might just be the spark needed to ignite a successful run in Las Vegas.