The Houston Rockets pulled off a stunning victory against the Golden State Warriors, narrowly winning 91-90 in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday night. This win not only marks the end of a 15-game losing streak against the Warriors but also propels the Rockets into the semifinals in Las Vegas, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jalen Green was the hero for Houston, sinking two crucial free throws with just 3.5 seconds remaining. Alperen Sengun was a standout performer, contributing 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points to the effort.
The game was a rollercoaster for Houston, who initially enjoyed a 14-point lead but found themselves trailing by six with just 1.5 minutes left. The team’s resilience shone through as Fred VanVleet hit a vital 3-pointer, followed closely by a layup from Sengun that narrowed the deficit to one point.
In the closing moments, a missed 3-pointer from Stephen Curry allowed Gary Payton II to grab the rebound, but Houston’s Green displayed remarkable determination, intercepting Payton’s pass and drawing a foul from Jonathan Kuminga. This set up Green to seal the game with his free throws.
Despite the loss, the Warriors entered the game with an impressive record of 461-0 when leading by six or more points in the last 1:30 under Coach Steve Kerr. Curry managed to score 19 points, but the Warriors missed their opportunity to clinch victory as Smith blocked a last-second shot by Brandin Podziemski.
In terms of the Rockets’ performance, it is notable that they won the game despite struggling with their shooting, making just 6 of 27 attempts from beyond the arc. This victory reflects the team’s growth and ability to maintain composure, even when facing adversity.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will head to Las Vegas for the semifinals this weekend, while the Warriors will shift their focus back to the regular season, facing the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
Overall, this victory is a significant morale booster for the young Rockets team, demonstrating their potential to compete at high levels as they advance in the tournament. Fans have much to look forward to as they continue to develop their skills and team dynamics.