Rockets Snap Streak, Edge Warriors in Thrilling Finish
The Houston Rockets emerged victorious against the Golden State Warriors in a nail-biting contest, securing a hard-fought 91-90 win and promptly snapping a daunting 15-game losing streak against their formidable rivals. The victory advances the Rockets to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas and simultaneously eliminates the Warriors from the NBA Cup.
Clutch Comeback in Final Moments
In a game marked by intense physicality and high drama, the Warriors seemed poised for a triumphant escape, holding a seven-point lead with under four minutes left on the clock. However, the Rockets displayed resilience, scoring seven unanswered points while maintaining a resolute defense that held the Warriors scoreless in the game's final three minutes.
The pivotal moment came when Jalen Green was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga as the clock ticked down to 3.1 seconds. Green, with unwavering composure, sank both free throws, propelling the Rockets to a slender one-point lead. The Rockets' defensive efforts were punctuated by Jabari Smith's decisive block on Brandin Podziemski’s shot attempt, thus cementing their historic win.
Warriors' Coach Steve Kerr Voices Discontent
Post-game reactions were as fiery as the on-court clashes, with Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr expressing his dismay at the crucial call against Kuminga. “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 lamented. He further added, “I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable.”
Kerr, renowned for his strategic acumen and usually composed demeanor, did not hold back. “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 highlighted a critical narrative—a championship mindset disrupted by last-minute officiating.
The Warriors’ coach also criticized the game's physical nature, stating, “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?” This assessment underscored a perception of inconsistency in officiating that seems to have thrown a wrench in the Warriors’ strategy.
The Rockets' Resilience Shines
On the other side, the Rockets capitalized on their opportunity, showcasing grit and determination in what was aptly described as a “complete wrestling match.” The pressure-packed environment seemed to galvanize this young Rockets team, whose victory is indicative of their growing prowess on a national stage.
Looking Ahead to Las Vegas
This gritty triumph now propels the Rockets into an exciting matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas, where they will seek to carry forward this momentum. As for the Warriors, an abrupt exit from the NBA Cup leaves a bitter taste and an impassioned drive to refocus and regroup.
Amidst the dust of a contentious game, one thing remains clear: the Rockets, through perseverance and strategic execution, seized a victory that had eluded them for far too long. Meanwhile, the Warriors are now faced with dissecting a game that could so easily have swayed in their favor. Steve Kerr’s candid reflections will no doubt resonate as they look ahead to future encounters.