The Golden State Warriors' longstanding dominance over the Houston Rockets finally crumbled in a tightly contested NBA Cup matchup. In an exhilarating contest that concluded the Warriors' 15-game winning streak against the Rockets, Houston edged out a 91-90 victory, sending them forward to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas.
A Game of Inches
It was a game that hinged on the smallest of margins. With less than four minutes on the clock, the Rockets were trailing by seven points, teetering precariously on the edge of defeat. However, in a dramatic shift, Houston managed to score seven crucial points while holding the Warriors scoreless through the final three minutes. This late-game resilience was punctuated by a pivotal moment involving Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga. With just 3.1 seconds left, Green was fouled by Kuminga, an infraction that has sparked a heated debate amongst fans and pundits alike.
Referee Billy Kennedy detailed the critical call, highlighting the contact with the neck and shoulder area that led to the foul being awarded to Green. This decision proved decisive as Green capitalized by making both free throws, giving the Rockets an improbable one-point lead.
The Final Stand
Amidst the pressure-cooker atmosphere, Jabari Smith rose to the occasion by blocking Brandin Podziemski’s shot attempt, effectively sealing the triumph for Houston. This narrow victory not only eliminated the Warriors from the NBA Cup but also forced an introspection within the team on the nature of the call in those dying seconds.
Warriors' Coach Reacts
The situation drew intense criticism from Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr, who did not mince his words in the post-game analysis. "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 stated incredulously. His remarks succinctly captured the frustration permeating throughout the Warriors' camp.
Kerr elaborated on his disbelief, saying, "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 lament was echoed by the players and fans who felt the team was denied a fair chance to secure the win in the closing moments.
In further reflection, Kerr expressed empathy 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."
The essence of the game as a "complete wrestling match" encapsulated not only the bitterly fought contest but also the complex emotional undertones that came with such an abrupt and decisive conclusion. "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 questioned, highlighting his displeasure with the officiating consistency.
A Missed Opportunity
The sting of the defeat was compounded by the stakes involved. "I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup," Kerr admitted, emphasizing the missed opportunity to further their aspirations in the tournament.
Through a lens of rivalry and high stakes, the Rockets’ victory stands as a testament to their determination and ability to capitalise on crucial opportunities, irrespective of the physical nature of the game. Meanwhile, the Warriors, with their hopes dashed, are left contemplating what could have been, in a contest decided by a split-second decision.