Steve Kerr Erupts Over Controversial Call as Rockets Stun Warriors in NBA Cup Quarterfinals
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets pulled off a dramatic 91-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night, punching their ticket to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. The game ended in a whirlwind of controversy, with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr storming out of the postgame press conference after blasting the referees for a late foul call that ultimately decided the game.
Jalen Green was the hero for Houston, sinking two clutch free throws with just 3.5 seconds left on the clock. Those points not only sealed the win but also snapped a 15-game losing streak against the Warriors, a skid that dated all the way back to February 20, 2020. The Rockets will now face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who defeated the Dallas Mavericks in their own quarterfinal matchup, in the semifinals on Saturday.
Breaking the Curse
For the Rockets, this win was more than just a ticket to the next round—it was a statement. Alperen Sengun led the charge with a dominant performance, tallying 26 points and 11 rebounds. Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in 15 points, while Fred VanVleet came up big in crunch time with a crucial three-pointer that helped set up the thrilling finish.
Houston had built a 14-point lead earlier in the game, only to see it evaporate as the Warriors mounted a late comeback. But this young Rockets squad showed resilience, clawing back from a six-point deficit in the final 90 seconds. VanVleet’s three-pointer and Sengun’s layup brought Houston within one point, setting the stage for Green’s game-winning free throws after a critical foul by Jonathan Kuminga.
“This team is growing up right before our eyes,” one analyst said. “To see them hold their composure after losing the lead against a team like Golden State is impressive.”
Warriors’ Frustration Boils Over
On the other side, the Warriors were left fuming. Stephen Curry, who scored 19 points in the game, missed a potential dagger three-pointer with 11 seconds left. Gary Payton II grabbed the rebound but had his pass intercepted by Green, leading to the controversial foul call on Kuminga. The Warriors had one last chance to steal the win, but Jabari Smith Jr. blocked Brandin Podziemski’s three-point attempt at the buzzer.
After the game, Steve Kerr didn’t hold back in his criticism of the officiating. “That call was ridiculous,” Kerr said before abruptly leaving the press conference. “It’s hard to win games when you’re fighting against more than just the other team.”
Key Takeaways
- Warriors: Golden State had beaten Houston twice this season without Curry, but even his return wasn’t enough to secure the win in this high-stakes matchup.
- Rockets: Houston’s young core showed maturity and poise, overcoming a late deficit to secure their first win over the Warriors in nearly four years.
Key Moment
The defining moment of the game came in the final seconds when Jalen Green’s hustle led to the foul call on Kuminga. Green’s ability to stay aggressive and draw contact under pressure was the difference-maker.
Key Stat
Despite their victory, the Rockets struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 6 of 27 three-point attempts. Winning a game with such poor shooting from deep speaks volumes about their grit and determination.
What’s Next?
While the Rockets head to Las Vegas to continue their NBA Cup journey, the Warriors will return to regular-season play on Sunday with a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. For Houston, the semifinal against Oklahoma City represents another opportunity to prove they’re a team on the rise.
As the NBA Cup heats up, all eyes will be on Las Vegas this weekend. Can the Rockets keep their Cinderella story alive, or will the Thunder end their run? One thing’s for sure: the drama is far from over.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
