In a nail-biting finish, the Houston Rockets edged out the Golden State Warriors with a score of 91-90, securing a spot in the semifinals of the NBA Cup in Las Vegas. This marks a significant victory for Houston, as they ended a 15-game losing streak to the Warriors, with their last win against the team dating back to February 20, 2020. The Rockets will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, who triumphed over the Dallas Mavericks in the previous quarterfinals.
Jalen Green stepped up in the clutch, hitting two crucial free throws with just 3.5 seconds remaining to clinch the win. Alperen Sengun was a standout performer for Houston, delivering an impressive 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 15 points. Although the Rockets initially enjoyed a 14-point lead, they faced a tense moment as the game neared its conclusion, trailing by six with about a minute and a half left.
The game intensified with Fred VanVleet’s three-pointer and Sengun’s late layup cutting the deficit to a single point. Despite Stephen Curry’s attempt to secure the win with a three-pointer, a critical turnover allowed Green to draw a foul from Jonathan Kuminga, setting up the game-winning free throws.
The Warriors were poised to take the victory themselves but saw their chances thwarted when Brandin Podziemski’s buzzer-beater was blocked by Smith. Prior to this game, the Warriors had a flawless record of 461-0 under Coach Steve Kerr when leading by six or more points in the final 1:30 of the match.
Key takeaways from the game include the resilience of the young Rockets, who showcased their ability to maintain composure despite relinquishing a significant lead. This victory serves as a testament to Houston’s growth as a team, indicating that they can compete at high levels even under pressure.
Houston, despite its struggles with long-range shooting—a mere 6 of 27 from three-point range—found a way to prevail, demonstrating that effective hustle and tenacity can override technical shortcomings. Up next, the Rockets will head to Las Vegas for the semifinals, while the Warriors prepare to resume their regular-season journey against the Mavericks this Sunday.
Overall, this match highlights the excitement of the NBA Cup and the potential for unexpected outcomes, reminding fans that every game offers thrilling moments and opportunities for teams to rise to the occasion.