Rockets Break Warriors' Streak in Dramatic Fashion
The Houston Rockets achieved a significant milestone by ending their prolonged losing streak against the Golden State Warriors with a dramatic 91-90 victory. This victory was not just another game; it culminated a tense and physical battle and marked the end of the Warriors' 15-game winning streak against the Rockets.
Fourth Quarter Drama
In a game dominated by physical play, the Rockets were trailing by seven points with just under four minutes on the clock. Displaying resilience and determination, the Rockets clawed their way back into contention. With standout performances, the team managed to score seven unanswered points while effectively stifling the Warriors' offense for the final three minutes of the game.
A pivotal moment came when Jalen Green was fouled by the Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga with only 3.1 seconds left. This call was crucial, as it set Green up to calmly sink both free throws, giving the Rockets a slender one-point lead. The game concluded with Jabari Smith's critical block on Brandin Podziemski's shot attempt, sealing the win for Houston and sending shockwaves through the Warriors' camp.
Kerr’s Outcry
The game's physicality and contentious officiating were major talking points post-game. Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr was vocal about his frustrations, specifically targeting the decision 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 exclaimed, emphasizing his disbelief. His comments alluded to both the unusual nature of the call and the timing, pointing out its rarity in professional basketball history. "I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable," he added, clearly miffed by what he perceived as an inequity that stole the game from his team.
Further reflecting on the game, Kerr expressed his sentiments for his players: "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."
Physicality and Strategy
The match was indeed a bruising affair, with Kerr describing it as a "complete wrestling match." Yet, despite the aggressive play that characterized much of the game, Kerr expressed incredulity at the particularity of that late-game 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?"
Looking Forward
The Rockets' victory not only snapped their losing streak against the Warriors but also propelled them forward to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas. The win also effectively knocked the Warriors out of the running in the NBA Cup, a point of particular disappointment for Kerr. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," he expressed, capturing the tangible sense of loss enveloping the Warriors' camp in the aftermath.
The Rockets, on the other hand, will be buoyed by a victory that showcased their capacity to seize opportunities even in the most challenging circumstances, setting a promising tone for their upcoming face-off against Oklahoma City.
For the Warriors, this game has likely prompted deep reflection on both their strategies and the critical importance of game management in the face of unpredictable officiating. As the NBA Cup progresses, teams will be keenly aware that every call counts and that games can turn on the narrowest of margins.