Warriors’ Streak Broken by Rockets in Dramatic Fashion
In an electrifying contest that saw tempers flare and scores soar, the Houston Rockets managed to snap the Golden State Warriors' 15-game winning streak against them with a nail-biting 91-90 victory. The win not only propelled the Rockets to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas but also dashed the Warriors' hopes in the NBA Cup, a loss keenly felt by both players and coaching staff alike.
The game was a whirlwind of intensity, with the Warriors holding a formidable lead, as much as seven points, with less than four minutes remaining. However, the Rockets demonstrated remarkable resilience, scoring seven points while effectively shutting down the Warriors' offense in the final three minutes. This unexpected turnaround was spearheaded by a critical foul committed by Jonathan Kuminga on Jalen Green with a scant 3.1 seconds left on the clock. Green, unfazed by the high-stakes moment, coolly converted both free-throw opportunities, flipping the score and gifting the Rockets a valuable one-point lead.
As the seconds ticked away, Jabari Smith made what would be the defining play of the game by blocking Brandin Podziemski’s shot attempt. This pivotal defensive stand not only secured the Rockets’ victory but also symbolized the gritty, physical nature of the match—an aspect that was not lost on the Warriors who were left to rue missed opportunities.
The officiating drew sharp criticism, particularly from Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr, who was visibly exasperated by what he termed as a call "that I don't think an elementary school referee would have made." His frustration stemmed from a controversial loose ball foul called during a jump ball situation, a decision made 80 feet from the basket. "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, echoing a sentiment that the game’s physicality had been overlooked until that decisive moment. He further expressed disbelief by recalling similar instances, "I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable." The coach’s ire was matched by disappointment as the undesired result meant no trip to Las Vegas for the Warriors: "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup."
Referee Billy Kennedy justified his controversial call by pointing to the contact made with the neck and shoulder area, a decision that ultimately altered the game's course. The outcome was so gripping that it even drew descriptions of the match as a "complete wrestling match" from the Warriors’ perspective, indicating a game highlighted by fierce competitiveness and a high degree of physical play.
The Rockets, for their part, seized upon the opportunity presented to them, executing their game plan to perfection despite the game’s physical intensity. This victory was a testament to their tenacity and ability to thrive under pressure. As the dust settled, Houston walked away not just victors in score but winners in spirit, a boost they will undoubtedly carry into their next showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
For the Warriors, a bitter spell of self-reflection awaits. This game provided a stark reminder of the unpredictability and drama inherent in basketball, where no lead is safe until the final buzzer sounds. Yet, even in defeat, the team’s resolve and determination remained evident, traits that will undoubtedly serve them well as they regroup and rebuild for future challenges.