NBA Confirms Foul in Warriors’ NBA Cup Loss Was Correctly Called

The NBA has upheld the controversial foul call against Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga in the closing seconds of the team’s NBA Cup quarterfinal loss to the Houston Rockets. According to the league, the decision made by the referees was accurate, a ruling that continues to spark debate among fans and analysts alike.

Key Incident in a Tight Contest

The contentious moment occurred with 3.5 seconds left on the clock, as both Kuminga and Rockets guard Jalen Green dove for a loose ball. The foul, which resulted in two free throws for Green, ultimately sealed the Rockets’ 91-90 victory on Wednesday night. Green’s successful free throws delivered the final points in what had been a closely fought game.

Steve Kerr’s Strong Criticism

Following the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed his frustration with the call, describing it as “unconscionable.” Kerr argued that the foul was overly harsh and that it unfairly influenced the outcome of the game.

“Our guys battled back, played their (expletives) off and deserved to win that game or at least have a chance for one stop at the end to finish the game,” Kerr said during the postgame press conference.

Kerr suggested that the call was unnecessary, particularly given the circumstances—a loose-ball scramble occurring 80 feet from the basket.

“I don’t think an elementary school referee would have made [that call]. Because that guy would have had feel and said, ‘You know what, I’m not going to decide a game on a loose ball.’”

NBA’s Official Ruling

Despite Kerr’s objections, the NBA stood by the decision in its Last Two Minute Report, released Thursday. The league explained that Kuminga committed a foul by reaching over Green and pulling his shoulder down during the scramble for possession.

The report stated:

“Kuminga reaches over Green in an attempt to get to the ball and pulls his shoulder down.”

This explanation aligns with the officials’ assessment in real time and supports the call that ultimately decided the game.

Warriors’ Struggles in the NBA Cup

The loss marked the end of the Warriors’ run in the inaugural NBA Cup tournament, a midseason competition designed to add excitement to the regular season. Golden State’s elimination highlights their ongoing challenges in close games, especially on the road.

The Warriors had fought valiantly to stay in the game, rallying from a significant deficit in the second half. However, their efforts were undone by a combination of missed opportunities and the pivotal foul call.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Debate

The ruling has generated significant discussion among NBA fans and analysts, many of whom remain divided on whether the call was justified. On social media, fans of both teams have weighed in:

• Warriors supporters argue that the foul disrupted what could have been an iconic defensive stand to win the game.
• Rockets fans, on the other hand, believe the officials made the correct call and that Green’s free throws were a deserved outcome.

The Bigger Picture for the Warriors

This controversial ending underscores a broader issue for the Warriors this season: their inconsistency in late-game situations. With a veteran core led by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson, Golden State is no stranger to high-pressure moments. However, they have struggled to close out games decisively, a factor that could impact their postseason ambitions.

The Warriors’ road record has been particularly concerning, with tight losses like this one highlighting areas for improvement in execution and discipline during critical moments.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

• Houston Rockets: The Rockets advance to the semifinals of the NBA Cup, where they will look to build on this momentum. Behind rising stars like Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün, Houston continues to establish itself as a young team on the rise.
• Golden State Warriors: For the Warriors, this loss serves as a learning moment. While their focus shifts back to the regular season, they will aim to address the factors contributing to their uneven performance in crunch time.

Conclusion

The NBA’s confirmation of the foul call highlights the fine line referees must walk in making split-second decisions that can alter the outcome of a game. While Steve Kerr and the Warriors may disagree, the league’s ruling reinforces its commitment to upholding fair play, even in contentious situations.

For the Warriors, this loss is a bitter reminder of the challenges they face in reclaiming their championship-caliber form. For the Rockets, it’s a testament to their growth as a competitive force in the NBA.