Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr was visibly frustrated after his team’s narrow loss to the Houston Rockets in the NBA Cup quarter-finals. The game ended in dramatic fashion, with Houston securing a 91-90 victory after a controversial foul call that Kerr described as “unconscionable.”
The pivotal moment came with just 11 seconds left in the game. After Stephen Curry missed a three-pointer, Gary Payton II grabbed the offensive rebound but turned the ball over with a pass intercepted by Jalen Green. In the ensuing scramble, Jonathan Kuminga was called for a foul against Green as they battled for the ball on the floor. The call resulted in Green sinking two free throws that ultimately sealed Houston’s win and their place in the NBA Cup semi-finals.
Kerr expressed his outrage at the decision, stating, “I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. It was ridiculous.” He argued that the situation warranted either a jump ball or a timeout for Houston, which they appeared to be requesting. Instead, the foul call left Kerr feeling that the game was unfairly decided by officiating. “Our guys battled back, played their butts off, and deserved to win that game or at least have a chance for one stop at the end to finish the game,” Kerr added.
The game had been physical throughout, with minimal fouls called earlier. Kerr pointed out what he saw as inconsistency in the officiating, referencing a moment when Curry was hit on the elbow during a jump shot without a foul being called. “The game was a complete wrestling match,” Kerr said, expressing disbelief that such a minor contact would be called as a foul in the final moments. “You’ve established that you’re not going to call anything throughout the game, and then you decide it on a loose ball 80 feet from the basket?”
The Rockets’ victory ended a long losing streak against the Warriors, marking their first win in the series since February 2020. Houston’s perseverance paid off, and their advancement to the semi-finals signals a resurgence for the team.
In another NBA Cup quarter-final, the Atlanta Hawks continued their surprising run by defeating the New York Knicks 108-100 at Madison Square Garden. Trae Young led the way with 22 points and 11 assists, while De’Andre Hunter and Jalen Johnson outperformed the Knicks’ frontcourt. Hunter contributed 24 points, and Johnson delivered an impressive performance with 21 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists.
The Hawks’ success in the tournament has been unexpected, with victories over the defending champion Boston Celtics and the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers in group play. Their win against the Knicks secured them a spot in the semi-finals in Las Vegas.
Young’s post-game celebration added flair to the Hawks’ victory. Kneeling on the Knicks logo, he mimed rolling dice, a gesture that drew attention and stirred memories of his past antics at Madison Square Garden. In 2021, he famously bowed and waved goodbye to the Knicks crowd after eliminating them from the playoffs. When asked about his celebration, Young explained, “We’re going to Vegas, so that’s what I had to do. I planned that one with my little brother a few days ago.”
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson responded diplomatically to Young’s celebration, saying, “We should win the game if we don’t want him to do that.” Despite the loss, the Knicks showed resilience, but the Hawks’ balanced performance and Young’s leadership proved too much to overcome.
The NBA Cup quarter-finals showcased intense competition and high emotions, with Houston and Atlanta advancing to the next stage. Both teams will now prepare for their semi-final matchups in Las Vegas, continuing their quest for the inaugural NBA Cup title.
