The Golden State Warriors experienced a stunning defeat against the Houston Rockets, putting an end to what had been a resilient 15-game winning streak over the Rockets. In a nail-biting finish, the Rockets emerged victorious with a score of 91-90, knocking the Warriors out of the NBA Cup and propelling themselves into a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas.
The game was fiercely contested, characterized by its intense physicality and tumultuous final moments. The Warriors found themselves in a seemingly comfortable position, leading the Rockets by seven points with under four minutes left on the clock. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the Rockets' favor as they held the Warriors scoreless while scoring seven points themselves in the final three minutes.
A Controversial Turn of Events
The turning point came with just 3.1 seconds remaining on the clock. Jalen Green, a key player for the Rockets, was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga, a call that stirred controversy and heated reactions from the Warriors' camp. Upon converting both free throws, Green handed the Rockets a one-point lead, a margin they maintained to seal the victory.
As the game drew to a close, the final decisive defensive play came from Jabari Smith, whose shot block against Brandin Podziemski secured the Rockets' win and eliminated the Warriors from the tournament.
Coaching Reactions
Steve Kerr, the Warriors' head coach, expressed his dissatisfaction, questioning the refereeing decisions that transpired in the dying moments of the game. "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 after the game. His sentiments echoed a deep frustration not only with the defeat but also the nature of the officiating.
"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," Kerr continued, visibly upset at what he perceived as an unprecedented call. The call was controversial as it involved contact with Green's neck and shoulder area, as explained by referee Billy Kennedy after the game.
Kerr's dismay extended beyond the technical details of the call, focusing on the impact it had on his team's deserving efforts. "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 asserted.
The Physical Battle
The match was one where both teams engaged in a relentless and robust style of play, something the Warriors' coach acknowledged. "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?" questioned Kerr, illustrating his disbelief at the officiating inconsistency.
The emotional toll was significant on the Warriors' side, losing out on an opportunity to compete further in the NBA Cup. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," Kerr admitted, highlighting the team's high aspirations and the bitter conclusion to their campaign.
For the Rockets, the victory was a testament to resilience and capitalizing on pivotal moments. The ability to claw back into contention, even when trailing, underscored their resolve and composure in high-pressure situations. Despite the drama surrounding the match's closing seconds, the Rockets' success was rooted in their defensive tenacity and clutch performance.
The stage is now set for the Rockets to continue their journey in Las Vegas, as they prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, the Warriors are left to regroup and reflect on a game that slipped through their fingers amid an intense and contentious backdrop.