The NBA Cup has been a thrilling addition to the basketball calendar, and for the Golden State Warriors, it was a journey filled with both hope and heartbreak. The question on everyone's lips: Are the Warriors eliminated from the NBA Cup? The unfortunate answer is yes, and the circumstances surrounding their exit have left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans and the team alike.
A Promising Start, a Shocking End
Despite a dismal first - half performance where they managed to score a meager 37 points, the Golden State Warriors seemed on the verge of making their first NBA Cup semifinal appearance. It was a Wednesday night showdown at the Toyota Center against the Houston Rockets, and with just over a minute remaining, the Warriors held a six - point lead. However, what ensued was a late - game collapse that no one saw coming.
Over the final three minutes of the game, the Warriors' offense completely stalled. They failed to score a single point, and their offensive struggles were compounded by multiple 24 - second violations. But it was a controversial refereeing decision that truly became the talking point of the game and ultimately led to their elimination.
The Controversial Call
With 76 seconds remaining, Rockets guard Fred VanVleet drilled a 3 - pointer, cutting the Warriors' lead to three. Then, Draymond Green threw an errant pass, one of Golden State's 15 turnovers on the night. The Rockets capitalized on a missed three - pointer by Jabari Smith Jr., with Alperen Sengun converting an easy layup after a timeout. Stephen Curry's 3 - pointer missed, and as Gary Payton II tried to secure the offensive rebound, he threw the ball away while on the ground. In the ensuing scramble, Jonathan Kuminga was called for a foul on Jalen Green.
Many believed that this should have been a jump - ball situation. Steve Kerr, the Golden State head coach, was visibly stunned on the sidelines, and after the game, he labeled the decision as "unconscionable." He also criticized other calls, including a non - call on a Curry jump - shot in the fourth quarter. This foul call on Kuminga proved to be the turning point, as Jalen Green calmly nailed two free throws, giving the Rockets the lead.
Offensive Struggles Haunt the Warriors
While the officiating was a major factor, the Warriors also have to look inwards at their own performance. Their offense struggled to execute throughout the game. Kuminga had 20 points and seven rebounds, but his shooting was off, going 8 - of - 20 from the floor. He also missed four of his six free throws, which proved costly in a tight game. Curry had 19 points on 17 shots, and Buddy Hield had 12 of his 15 points during a third - quarter offensive burst. However, no other Warrior reached double figures. The team's shooting percentages were lackluster, shooting 44% from the floor and 31.6% from 3 - point range. Their struggles were perhaps exacerbated by the absence of Andrew Wiggins.
Defensive Efforts Not Enough
Defensively, the Warriors had their moments. Draymond Green's defense was excellent in important moments, holding the Rockets to 45.6% shooting from the floor and a dismal 6 - of - 27 (22.2%) from beyond the arc. Sengun was a bright spot for the Rockets, finishing with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. The Rockets' victory was particularly significant as they finally managed to break a 15 - game losing streak against the Warriors.
What's Next for the Warriors?
Instead of heading to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup semifinals, the Warriors will now return home. They are set to host Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks at the Chase Center on Sunday. This loss in the NBA Cup will surely sting, but the Warriors will need to regroup quickly. The regular season is long, and there are still many games to play. They will look to learn from this experience, address their offensive issues, and come back stronger in their upcoming matchups.
In conclusion, the Warriors' elimination from the NBA Cup was a combination of a late - game meltdown, controversial officiating, and offensive struggles. It was a disappointing end to what could have been a historic run in the tournament. But as any true Warriors fan knows, this team has faced adversity before and has always found a way to bounce back.