Rockets Snap 15-Game Skid Against Warriors with Thrilling Win
In a tense showdown that rekindled an old rivalry, the Houston Rockets broke a 15-game losing streak against the Golden State Warriors with a nail-biting 91-90 victory. This win not only ended their streak of defeats against the Warriors but also propelled them to a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas, while eliminating the Warriors from the NBA Cup.
The Rockets achieved this hard-fought win in dramatic fashion, coming back from a seven-point deficit with less than four minutes remaining on the clock. Displaying resilience and determination, the Rockets scored seven unanswered points as they managed to silence the Warriors' offense during the crucial final minutes.
The turning point came in the game's dying moments, when Jalen Green was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga with just 3.1 seconds left on the clock. Undaunted by the pressure, Green calmly sank both free throws, handing the Rockets a slender one-point lead. On the ensuing possession, with the Warriors desperately seeking a last-second comeback, Jabari Smith rose to the occasion and blocked Brandin Podziemski's shot attempt, ensuring the victory for Houston.
Referee Billy Kennedy, explaining the decision on Kuminga’s foul, pointed to contact made with Jalen Green’s neck and shoulder area. The call was met with a barrage of criticism from Warriors' head coach, Steve Kerr, who was visibly frustrated by what he deemed an undeserved call. "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. "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 incredulity was echoed in further comments he made post-game, expressing sympathy for his team. "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." Kerr’s sentiments punctuated his belief that the call marred what had been approached as a gritty, physically contested game. "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?" he questioned.
Kerr’s frustration was not only about the loss but also about missed opportunities. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," he declared, his agitation highlighting the stakes and aspirations of his squad.
Indeed, the game was not for the faint-hearted. Described by Warriors’ coach as a "complete wrestling match," both teams engaged in an intensely physical battle, jostling for every inch on the court. The Rockets, however, managed to capitalize on the opportunities presented to them, showcasing poise in crucial moments despite the physical nature of the encounter.
The Rockets’ triumph represents a significant milestone for the team, reinvigorating their confidence as they proceed to the next stage of the tournament. For the Warriors, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges they face as they seek to reclaim their dominance.
As the Rockets prepare to face the Thunder in Las Vegas, and the Warriors reflect on a contentious ending, the outcomes of such tightly contested games continue to fuel discussions on officiating and the fine margins that define basketball's most thrilling encounters. For now, Houston can relish the satisfaction of overcoming a formidable adversary, and eagerly anticipate their next test in the NBA Cup pursuit.