Stephen Curry’s Bad Decision Doomed the Warriors’ NBA Cup Run
Stephen Curry‘s rare misstep in crunch time cost the Warriors a trip to the NBA Cup semifinals. Find out how situational awareness played a crucial role in Golden State’s loss.
Stephen Curry’s Rare Bad Shot
In a career defined by clutch performances, Stephen Curry made an uncharacteristic error in the Warriors’ NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Houston Rockets. With 27.2 seconds remaining and the Warriors holding a one-point lead, Curry launched an early 3-pointer instead of running down the clock. The decision led to chaos on the court and ultimately cost Golden State a crucial win.
The Situation: What Went Wrong?
The Warriors were in control after an Alperen Sengun layup reduced their lead to one. With just a 3.2-second differential between the shot clock and game clock, the Rockets surprisingly chose not to foul. Golden State needed only to milk the clock before taking a shot to secure the win.
However, Curry, after shaking off defender Dillon Brooks, opted to take a wide-open 3-pointer at the 12.4-second mark. Despite being a great look, it was the wrong decision for the moment. When Curry missed, the Warriors lost control of the rebound, and a chaotic sequence ensued:
- Loose Ball Scramble: Gary Payton II recovered the ball but failed to secure possession, leading to another scramble.
- Foul Trouble: Jonathan Kuminga fouled Jalen Green during the loose-ball battle, sending Green to the line for two free throws.
- Final Play: With just three seconds left, the Warriors couldn’t manage a clean shot, sealing their defeat.
Steve Kerr’s Frustration
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was visibly frustrated with the foul call on Kuminga, an unusual whistle in the final seconds of such a critical game. While he may have had a case, the Warriors’ late-game collapse, including two shot clock violations and multiple turnovers, ultimately determined the outcome.
The Importance of Situational Awareness
Curry’s decision to take the early shot was a rare lapse in his otherwise impeccable basketball IQ. The correct move was to run down the clock, forcing the Rockets into an almost impossible scenario to tie or win the game. Instead, the missed 3-pointer gave Houston just enough time to capitalize.
What This Loss Means for Golden State
This defeat didn’t just end the Warriors’ NBA Cup run; it also carries potential playoff implications. In a competitive Western Conference, every win matters, and missing out on a victory against a top-four team like Houston could impact Golden State’s seeding come April.
Final Thoughts: Even the Best Make Mistakes
For a player often deemed immune to the concept of “bad shots,” Stephen Curry’s decision in this instance proved costly. It serves as a reminder that even the greatest shooter in NBA history isn’t infallible. Situational awareness is key, especially in high-stakes moments.
This game will undoubtedly serve as a learning experience for Curry and the Warriors, as they regroup and focus on their next challenges in an already intense season.
