Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed outrage over a crucial foul call in the final seconds of their 91-90 NBA Cup loss to the Houston Rockets.
The contentious decision not only gave the Rockets the lead but also ended the Warriors' hopes of advancing in the tournament.
Kerr was visibly frustrated and made his feelings clear after the game.
"I've never seen a loose ball foul on a jump ball situation 80 feet from the basket with the game on the line," he stated.
"That is unconscionable. I don't even understand what just happened."
The Warriors had controlled much of the game, holding a six-point lead with just over a minute remaining. However, their inability to close out tight contests reared its head again.
The game's most controversial moment occurred in the last 10 seconds. After Warriors guard Steph Curry missed a 3-pointer, Gary Payton II scrambled for the loose ball, passing it in desperation.
Rockets guard Jalen Green and Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga both dove for the ball, but officials called a loose ball foul on Kuminga.
With the Warriors over the foul limit, Green sank two free throws, giving Houston the decisive lead. The low-scoring affair had been a physical battle from the start, with both teams struggling offensively.
With this victory, the Rockets advanced to the NBA Cup semifinals, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, the Warriors are left to reflect on their missed opportunities and the officiating decision that sealed their fate.
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This story was originally published December 12, 2024, 2:34 AM.