Rockets Edge Warriors 91-90 to Reach NBA Cup Semifinals
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The Houston Rockets achieved a thrilling 91-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night, securing their spot in the NBA Cup semifinals. In a nail-biting finish, Jalen Green sank two pivotal free throws with just 3.5 seconds remaining, sending Rockets fans into a frenzy and snapping an agonizing 15-game losing streak against their long-time nemesis.
Game Highlights: Rockets Overcome Late Deficit
The Rockets were energized by another standout performance from their star center, Alperen Sengun, who dominated the game with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Complementing Sengun's heroics, Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points, providing the much-needed boost Houston needed to stay competitive against a formidable Warriors squad.
Despite leading for much of the game, the Rockets found themselves in trouble late, trailing by as many as five points in the closing minutes. But their resilience and defensive hustle led to one of the most memorable wins in recent franchise history.
Key Moments: How the Game Unfolded
The turning point came with just under 30 seconds to play. Down by four, Fred VanVleet drained a clutch three-pointer that reignited Houston's hope. Moments later, Sengun muscled his way into the paint for a layup that trimmed the Warriors' lead to just one point.
The Warriors had opportunities to seal the game, but fate favored the Rockets. Stephen Curry, who had been tightly defended all game, missed a contested three-pointer with 11 seconds left. This set the stage for an incredible defensive play by Green, who intercepted a Warriors' inbound pass and drew a foul in the ensuing chaos. His composure at the free-throw line sealed the game.
The drama didn’t end there. The Warriors had the last possession, but Jabari Smith Jr. delivered a game-saving block on Brandin Podziemski's three-point attempt, ensuring the Rockets' place in the semifinals.
Impact: What's Next for Both Teams?
With this victory, the Houston Rockets advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals on Saturday. The young Houston squad has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but this game was a defining moment that could propel them to new heights.
As for the Golden State Warriors, they'll look to regroup as they return to regular-season play on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks. The narrow loss will undoubtedly sting, but the Warriors remain one of the league’s most battle-tested teams and a perennial contender.
Key Takeaways
- Clutch Play: Jalen Green’s poise under immense pressure was the difference-maker for Houston.
- Team Resilience: The Rockets showcased grit and determination, battling back even after a poor shooting night from beyond the arc (6 of 27 from three-point range).
- Defensive Excellence: Jabari Smith Jr.’s game-saving block underscored the defensive energy that carried the Rockets to victory.
Watch the Highlights
Relive the excitement by watching the full game highlights below:
Final Thoughts
The Rockets’ stunning victory against the Warriors was not only an example of their potential but also a message to the rest of the league: this young team is ready to compete. Led by Sengun, Green, and Smith Jr., Houston is shaping up to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NBA. Will they carry this momentum into the semifinals against OKC? Only time will tell, but for now, Rockets fans have plenty of reasons to celebrate.