Tense Battle Leads to Underdogs Triumph
The Houston Rockets pulled off a stunning victory against the Golden State Warriors, ending an agonizing 15-game losing streak with a dramatic 91-90 win. This narrow victory not only boosted the Rockets' confidence but also advanced them to a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas, while unceremoniously eliminating the Warriors from the NBA Cup.
A Gritty Showdown
The game was not for the faint-hearted, as both teams pushed physical boundaries in what Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr described as a "complete wrestling match." The Rockets, trailing by seven points with less than four minutes on the clock, turned the game around in the dying moments, showcasing both tenacity and strategic brilliance. They managed to score seven consecutive points while keeping the Warriors scoreless in the final three minutes, a testament to the team's defensive grit and offensive perseverance.
Crucial Plays in the Clutch
With the clock winding down, the Warriors appeared to be in control. However, Jalen Green's pivotal play came with just 3.1 seconds remaining. Fouled by Jonathan Kuminga, Green confidently sunk both free throws, tipping the scales and giving the Rockets an unexpected one-point lead. A subsequent defensive stand by the Rockets was cemented by Jabari Smith's game-securing block on Brandin Podziemski's shot attempt.
The play that led to Green's free throws was not without controversy. Referee Billy Kennedy's explanation cited contact with Green’s neck and shoulder area, a call that did not sit well with the Warriors' bench. Expressing his frustration post-game, Steve Kerr conveyed his disbelief: "I've never seen a loose ball foul in a jump ball situation 80 feet from the basket with the game on the line."
Coaching Fury and Controversy
Kerr's discontent was palpable. Describing the situation, he remarked, "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." His bafflement over the officiating decisions highlighted what many felt was a tense and emotionally charged game. Continuing his critique, Kerr stated, "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 Warriors coach did not hold back, asserting his players had deserved better than to see their fate sealed by such a controversial call. "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," he lamented.
Rockets Rise
In contrast, the Rockets capitalized on the opportunity presented, demonstrating resilience in a high-stakes situation. They leveraged the physicality of the game to their advantage, a strategy that ultimately facilitated their breakthrough win.
The raw emotion and intensity of the matchup left Kerr visibly upset, especially as hopes of progressing in the NBA Cup were dashed. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," he admitted, reflecting on the harsh reality of competitive sports where decisions can tip the scales.
For the Rockets, this win represents more than just ending a losing streak; it signifies a coming-of-age moment for a team long overshadowed by their more illustrious opponents. As they prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Rockets carry forward the momentum and valuable lessons from their tense victory—a victory born from persistence, strategy, and maybe a hint of officiating fortune.