In a dramatic contest filled with tension and controversy, the Houston Rockets ended their 15-game losing streak against the Golden State Warriors with a narrow 91-90 victory. The win propels the Rockets into the next round to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas, while the Warriors bow out of the NBA Cup.
In a game that could only be described as a constant battle, the Rockets clawed their way back from a seven-point deficit with less than four minutes remaining. Jalen Green played an instrumental role in the comeback, scoring seven pivotal points in the final minutes while the Rockets defense held the Warriors scoreless during the crucial closing stretch.
A moment of high drama unfolded in the final seconds when Jalen Green was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga with just 3.1 seconds left on the clock. Green's calm demeanor at the free throw line resulted in two successful shots, nudging the Rockets ahead by a single point. The Warriors had one last chance to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, but Jabari Smith's timely block on Brandin Podziemski's shot attempt secured the win for Houston.
A Game of Physicality and Controversy
The game's physical nature did not go unnoticed. Warriors' coach Steve Kerr was visibly perturbed by the officiating, especially the loose ball foul call on Kuminga during a jump ball situation. "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. His sentiments echoed deeper frustrations, as he added, "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."
Such controversy overshadowed an otherwise intense matchup, where both teams left everything on the court. Yet, it was Rockets who seized the moment amidst the chaos, capitalizing on the opportunity presented by the tight refereeing.
Reflections on a Contentious Call
Referee Billy Kennedy had commented on the critical call, noting contact with Green's neck and shoulder area. However, Kerr's frustration remained palpable, "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 was adamant that the call was incorrect and harmful to his team's chances.
A clearly disappointed Kerr expressed deep empathy for his players. "I feel for our guys," he said. "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."
Describing the game as a "complete wrestling match," Kerr underscored the physical toll and intense effort put forth by his squad, sentiments tied to the unfortunate conclusion they faced.
Rockets Seize an Opportunity
The Rockets, however, will choose to see this victory as a testament to their resilience and opportunistic play. Their ability to perform under pressure, especially during the waning minutes, speaks volumes about their potential moving forward.
As the Rockets prepare to face the Thunder, they can draw confidence from their ability to navigate high-stakes encounters and seize critical moments. For the Warriors, the outcome, though painful, lends itself to reflection and regrouping as they aim to bounce back in their upcoming campaigns.
In basketball, just as in life, moments of triumph and despair often hinge on split-second decisions and refereeing calls. The Rockets emerged victorious from the crucible this time, but the dust of contest and dissent will serve as the backdrop for their continued journey in the NBA Cup.