Rockets Rally Past Warriors, Advance to NBA Cup Semifinals

In a thrilling showdown on Wednesday night, the Houston Rockets edged out the Golden State Warriors 91-90, thanks to clutch free throws from Jalen Green with just 3.5 seconds remaining. This victory not only propelled the Rockets into the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas but also marked the end of a 15-game losing streak against the Warriors, their first win in the series since February 20, 2020.

A Historic Victory

The Rockets’ triumph was a significant milestone, highlighting their growth as a team. After trailing by as many as 14 points earlier in the game, Houston showcased resilience by rallying back to secure a thrilling win. The victory sets up a semifinal matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the other Western Conference quarterfinal. This game is scheduled for Saturday, and fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be another exciting contest.

Standout Performers

Alperen Sengun was the star of the night for the Rockets, pouring in 26 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His dominant performance in the paint was crucial in keeping Houston competitive. Additionally, Jabari Smith Jr. contributed with 15 points, providing valuable support as the team fought to maintain its lead.

On the other side, Stephen Curry had 19 points, but his efforts were not enough to secure the win for the Warriors, who had previously beaten the Rockets twice this season without him.

Thrilling Finish

The game reached a nail-biting climax with just over a minute and a half left, as the Rockets found themselves down by six points. However, Fred VanVleet drilled a crucial three-pointer, and Sengun followed up with a layup with just 27 seconds remaining, narrowing the gap to just one point.

With the clock winding down, Curry missed a critical three-pointer, and Gary Payton II collected the rebound. However, Green’s quick reflexes allowed him to intercept a pass from Payton, leading to a foul by Jonathan Kuminga. This set the stage for Green to step up and sink the two free throws that ultimately clinched the game for Houston.

The Warriors had a final opportunity to win it at the buzzer, but Smith’s timely block of Brandin Podziemski‘s three-point attempt sealed the deal for the Rockets, sending them into a frenzy of celebration.

Key Takeaways

Warriors’ Struggles

Entering Wednesday’s matchup, the Warriors had an impressive record of 461-0 when leading by six or more points in the final 1:30 of a game under head coach Steve Kerr. This loss not only shattered that remarkable streak but also exposed vulnerabilities in their late-game execution. Despite their earlier successes against the Rockets this season, the Warriors’ inability to close this game highlighted areas for improvement.

Rockets’ Poise Under Pressure

For a young team like the Rockets, this victory is a testament to their growth and maturity. They displayed remarkable composure, especially after squandering a double-digit lead. The key moment came from Green’s hustle to secure the ball and draw the foul, demonstrating the importance of grit and determination in high-pressure situations.

Key Stats

Despite their victory, the Rockets struggled from beyond the arc, making only 6 of 27 three-point attempts. This statistic underscores the need for improvement in their outside shooting, but their ability to win despite this deficiency speaks volumes about their resilience and adaptability.

Looking Ahead

As the Rockets prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals, fans are hopeful that this victory will serve as a springboard for further success. The Rockets have shown that they can compete with the best, and their determination to advance in the tournament will be crucial in the upcoming games.

Conclusion

The Houston Rockets’ dramatic victory over the Golden State Warriors marks a turning point for the team as they advance to the NBA Cup semifinals. With standout performances from Sengun and Smith, along with Green’s clutch free throws, the Rockets have proven they are a force to be reckoned with. As they gear up for their next challenge against the Thunder, the Rockets will look to build on this momentum and continue their journey in the tournament.