Rockets Outlast Warriors in Dramatic Fashion
The Houston Rockets ended their lengthy drought against the Golden State Warriors with a thrilling 91-90 victory. Not only did this win snap a 15-game losing streak against the Warriors, but it also propelled the Rockets forward to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas and eliminated the Warriors from the NBA Cup.
Trailing by seven points with less than four minutes remaining, the Rockets orchestrated a resolute comeback. They managed to hold the Warriors scoreless for the final three minutes, demonstrating both composure and grit under pressure. Jalen Green emerged as the game hero when he was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga with a mere 3.1 seconds left on the clock. Green confidently sank both free throws, granting the Rockets a slender one-point advantage.
The Warriors had one last opportunity to reclaim the lead, but the Rockets' Jabari Smith came up big with a crucial block on Brandin Podziemski's shot attempt, sealing the result. This dramatic finish was sparked by a controversial call that left Warriors coach Steve Kerr visibly frustrated. Commenting on the pivotal play, Kerr 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."
Tension Flares in Final Moments
The referees' decision appeared especially significant given the context of a game that had been, in Kerr's words, a "complete wrestling match." Throughout the contest, physicality was in abundance as both teams battled relentlessly. Yet, Kerr was clearly disillusioned by the timing and nature of the call against Kuminga. "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, reflecting a sentiment of bewilderment shared by many onlookers.
Steve Kerr didn't mince words in expressing his disappointment. "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." His frustration was palpable, not least because the match represented an important step towards the NBA Cup, a goal Kerr and the team were keen to pursue. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," he added, emphasizing the stakes involved.
A Fight to the Finish
The Rockets, however, capitalized on their opportunity. Despite the game's physical aspect, they managed to find a way to win, demonstrating resilience and mental toughness. While the implications of this victory in the broader context of the NBA Cup are yet to unfold, for the Rockets, the win carries an intrinsic value, representing a significant victory against a seasoned rival.
Referee Billy Kennedy later addressed the controversial call, explaining that it was made in light of contact with the neck and shoulder area, which was considered sufficient to warrant Kuminga's foul. Yet, Kerr's incredulity lingered: "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."
As the Rockets prepare to meet the Thunder in Las Vegas, they carry with them a newfound momentum. Their success encapsulates a narrative of perseverance, emerging victorious in a contest that will be remembered for its intensity and its controversial conclusion.
For the Warriors, this match serves as a reflection point. The agony of a narrow defeat, especially one compounded by officiating decisions, will undoubtedly be a driver as they look to rebound and reassert themselves moving forward.
In a game marked by twists and turns, it was the Rockets who demonstrated the final flourish, embarking on a journey that, win or lose against the Thunder, already marks a significant chapter in their current campaign.