In a highly charged NBA Cup elimination game between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets, a controversial call overshadowed the intense competition and ultimately decided the outcome. With the score tied in the final seconds, the Warriors were attempting a game-winning shot when a foul was called on a Rockets defender. The foul, which many believed was questionable, resulted in a free throw opportunity that gave the Warriors the win.
The moment came with less than 5 seconds remaining, as Warriors star Stephen Curry drove to the basket, drawing the defensive attention of Rockets guard Jalen Green. As Curry attempted his shot, he collided with Green, and the referees swiftly blew their whistles, signaling a shooting foul. Curry, known for his clutch free throw shooting, calmly sank both attempts, giving Golden State a 106-104 victory.
The call was met with immediate backlash from Houston’s players and fans. Replays showed minimal contact between Curry and Green, leading many to argue that the referees had made an error in judgment. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka voiced his frustration postgame, claiming that the foul should not have been called in such a crucial moment. He cited instances earlier in the game where similar plays had not been penalized, suggesting a lack of consistency in officiating.
While the Warriors celebrated their narrow victory and advanced in the NBA Cup, the controversy sparked discussions around officiating standards in high-stakes games. Fans and analysts alike debated whether the officials had been too quick to whistle the foul or if they had made the right call in a game-deciding scenario. The outcome left a bitter taste for Houston, as they felt they had been robbed of a chance to continue their tournament run.
