The Golden State Warriors met the Houston Rockets

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The Golden State Warriors met the Houston Rockets in a highly anticipated NBA Cup quarterfinal game on December 11, 2024. Here's a comprehensive summary based on the available information:

Game Summary:
  • Score: Houston Rockets 91, Golden State Warriors 90
  • Venue: Toyota Center in Houston, Texas
  • Significance: This game was a win-or-go-home match in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.

Key Moments and Performances:
  • Final Play: Jalen Green made two crucial free throws with only 3.5 seconds remaining to clinch the victory for the Rockets, ending a long-standing losing streak against the Warriors.
  • Warriors' Performance: Stephen Curry was noted for his performance, scoring 30 points against the Timberwolves in a previous game, but in this matchup, the Warriors struggled in the closing minutes. They had a significant lead which they couldn't maintain, leading to a disappointing end to their NBA Cup run.
  • Rockets' Standout Players: Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. were pivotal. Green's clutch free throws were the difference-maker, while Smith contributed with key shots and plays throughout the game.
  • Controversy: There was significant discussion on social media and post-game analysis regarding the officiating, especially with a questionable call at the end of the game that led to the Warriors' coach, Steve Kerr, expressing his frustration.

Game Analysis:
  • Strategic Plays: The Rockets managed a 20-8 run in the first half, showcasing their speed, length, and defensive pressure which led to 13 turnovers by the Warriors, including four shot-clock violations.
  • Rebounding: Both teams are known for their rebounding prowess, with the Warriors averaging 48.7 rebounds per game (ranked second in the league) and the Rockets leading in offensive rebounds, which was a key factor in this game.
  • Betting and Predictions: Before the game, the Rockets were slight favorites, with the line at HOU -3.5. The over/under was set at 222.5 points, reflecting the expectation of a close, high-scoring game.

Aftermath:
  • Next Steps: With this win, the Houston Rockets advance to the NBA Cup semifinals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the Warriors will regroup and focus on their remaining regular-season games.
  • Reactions: Social media posts and articles highlighted the Warriors' collapse in the closing minutes, the Rockets' resilience, and the controversial officiating, particularly in the game's final moments.

Sources:
This summary is based on a combination of web results and posts on X, focusing on the game's outcome, key plays, and the reactions from fans and analysts. For further details, you can look into the following citations:

  • The game's final score and key stats.
  • Analysis of the Warriors' performance and the end-game controversy.
  • Discussion on the Rockets' strategy and performance.

Remember, the landscape of sports news can evolve, and for the very latest updates or more detailed analyses, checking directly with official sports news outlets or NBA's official channels would be beneficial.

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