On Wednesday night, the Warriors lost a close game against the Rockets, which eliminated them from the NBA Cup. The lack of luck was evident, particularly when Stephen Curry missed a crucial three-pointer at the end of the game.
Even though the Warriors might have had a chance to tie or go into overtime, the referee’s decision gave the Rockets an easy win. Coach Steve Kerr was very angry about the officials’ call at the last second.
With the Golden State up 90-89 and 11 seconds left, after Curry missed the three, Gary Payton II grabbed the rebound. Payton tried to pass to Jonathan Kuminga, but Jalen Green intercepted it. Unfortunately, it was the official’s call that Kuminga committed a foul on Green during the scramble for the ball.
This gave Green two free throws, which he made to secure the Rockets’ 91-90 win. Many thought it would be a jump ball or timeout for the Rockets, but the refs’ decision sealed the Warriors’ fate in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Kerr expressed his disbelief, stating, “I’ve never seen a loose ball foul on a jump ball situation 80 feet from the basket with the game on the line… I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago, never in the NBA… That is… unconscionable. I don’t even understand what just happened.”
Steve Kerr called the loose ball foul that decided the game with 3.5 seconds left an “unconscionable” whistle and something an “elementary school” official wouldn’t have called.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 12, 2024
Here’s his full soundbite pic.twitter.com/E9O8Inurcl
He continued to criticize the officiating, saying, “I’m stunned. I’m stunned… I don’t think an elementary school (official) would’ve made that call in that game.”
Ref clears up controversial call in Warriors vs Rockets game
After they lost 91-90 to the Rockets in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, referee Billy Kennedy explained the foul call that decided the game. The foul was on Warriors player Jonathan Kuminga with 3.1 seconds left, as both teams fought for a loose ball.
The Warriors had a timeout left. The Rockets had a foul to give left. The shot clock was off.
— WarriorsMuse (@WarriorsMuse) December 12, 2024
Terrible decision by GP to pass it. If anything, take the foul or call the TO, then sub him out for offense.
Many things led to this loss, but this play hurts.pic.twitter.com/FoRAQoJhMB
Kennedy stated that Kuminga’s contact with the other player’s neck and shoulder area led to the foul call. He said, “The defender makes contact with the neck and shoulder area, warranting a personal foul to be called.”
