Rockets Snap Warriors' Streak in Dramatic Fashion
In a game marked by intense physical competition and unprecedented refereeing decisions, the Houston Rockets ended their 15-game losing streak against the Golden State Warriors with a nail-biting 91-90 victory. This triumph not only propelled the Rockets forward to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas but also ousted the Warriors from their NBA Cup run.
The Warriors had a comfortable seven-point lead with less than four minutes remaining on the clock. However, the Rockets mounted a spirited comeback, managing to hold their opponents scoreless for the final three minutes while scoring seven critical points themselves. This fierce rally was sealed by Jalen Green, who delivered a master class in composure under pressure. With just 3.1 seconds left, Green was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga, a call that sparked controversy and discussion around the officiating standards of the game.
Controversial Call Seals Fate
Jalen Green's coolness from the free-throw line was pivotal. He sank both attempts to give Houston a slim one-point lead, which they guarded fiercely in the dying seconds. A crucial defensive play by Jabari Smith, where he expertly blocked Brandin Podziemski's last-gasp shot attempt, secured the Rockets' hard-fought win.
Post-game, referee Billy Kennedy elaborated on the decisive call against Kuminga, citing contact with Green in the neck and shoulder area as the primary reason. This explanation did little to placate Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr, who did not hold back his perplexity and frustration regarding the officiating.
Kerr's Candid Reaction
Steve Kerr’s intense dissatisfaction was palpable as he reflected on the game's critical moment: "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 vented. The coach, with decades of experience behind him, expressed incredulity at the decision's timing and context. "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," he continued, highlighting the rarity of such a call in professional basketball.
Kerr's post-game comments laid bare his emotions as he lamented what he perceived as an unfair conclusion to a hard-fought contest. "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, underscoring his belief that the Warriors were unfairly denied a fair chance to control their destiny.
A Wrestling Match on the Court
The nature of the game was physical, a reality acknowledged by both teams. "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 remarked, pointing out the inconsistency in officiating during such crucial moments.
The Rockets, on their part, capitalized on the opportunities presented, strategically maneuvering through the chaos to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Their ability to perform under high-pressure circumstances, particularly in such a tension-filled environment, showcased the growing maturity and resilience of the team.
Steve Kerr articulated the lost opportunity for his team with a touch of personal disappointment. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," he candidly mentioned, summing up the bitter aftertaste of an unexpectedly early exit for the Warriors.
This game will be remembered not only for the surprising result and contentious refereeing but also for the tenacity displayed by both teams. As the Rockets advance, the questions raised by this game will linger in the minds of players, coaches, and fans alike, continuing to fuel the dynamic narratives that make the NBA an ever-gripping drama on and off the court.