Rockets Break Warriors' Streak with Dramatic Victory
In a game characterized by both intensity and physicality, the Houston Rockets emerged victorious against the Golden State Warriors, snapping a 15-game losing streak to their rivals. The narrow 91-90 victory not only advanced the Rockets to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas but also eliminated the Warriors from contention in the NBA Cup.
The Rockets executed a remarkable comeback, overcoming a seven-point deficit with less than four minutes remaining on the clock. Demonstrating resilience, Houston managed to hold the Warriors scoreless during the last three minutes, while tallying seven crucial points of their own. The turning point came when Jalen Green was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga with only 3.1 seconds left in the game. Green's composure at the free-throw line, where he successfully converted both attempts, secured the Rockets a one-point lead and ultimately the victory.
A Crucial Call and Its Controversy
Jabari Smith’s decisive block of Brandin Podziemski's shot confirmed the Rockets' win, yet the aftermath of the game was overshadowed by debate over a critical call by referee Billy Kennedy. Discussing the decision to penalize Kuminga for contact around the neck and shoulder area in a late-game jump ball scenario, Kennedy's ruling was integral to the game’s final result.
Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr expressed deep frustration with the call, labeling the game as a "complete wrestling match" and criticizing the decision-making in those pivotal moments. "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 remarked, reflecting his disbelief and adding, "I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable."
Kerr was emphatic about the implications of the 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 stated, clearly disappointed for his team.
Physicality in Play
The physical nature of the game was a recurring theme in Kerr’s post-game comments. He noted the inconsistency in officiating, describing the game as exceedingly physical yet critiquing the late loose ball foul call. "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 rhetorically, his frustration palpable.
The contrast between the physical battles on the court and the precision required in officiating leaves any game on such a knife-edge contentious, yet for the Rockets, the outcome signified a triumph amidst adversity. They capitalized on their chance and partook in a vital victory, a testament to their perseverance in a match that swung in their favor at the last possible moment.
Looking Ahead for the Rockets
As the Rockets head to Las Vegas, they carry with them not only a hard-fought win but also the momentum needed to face their next challenger, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, the Warriors must reconcile with the abrupt end to their NBA Cup pursuit, a tournament that clearly mattered to Kerr. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," he admitted, encapsulating the competitive spirit that fuels the highest echelons of basketball.
This game will be remembered for the swings in fortune and the critical decisions that defined its outcome. As fans and analysts reflect on the high-emotion showdown, its narratives will echo into future meetings between these storied franchises. For now, the Rockets celebrate a win that seemed improbable just minutes before the final buzzer—one that rewrites a narrative 15 games in the making.