Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed strong displeasure over a controversial foul call in the last 3.5 seconds of the team’s narrow 91-90 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. The call ultimately decided the outcome of the game, with the NBA defending the decision as correct.
In a tense moment with the Warriors ahead 90-89, Stephen Curry missed a crucial 3-pointer, leading to a scramble for the loose ball. Gary Payton II grabbed the rebound and attempted a pass to Jonathan Kuminga, but Houston’s Jalen Green dove for the ball, resulting in a foul call against Kuminga as he tried to regain possession with 3.5 seconds left.
As the Rockets were in the bonus, Green was awarded two free throws, which he successfully converted, giving Houston a 91-90 lead and securing the victory. Kerr’s frustration with the call was evident during and after the game, as he criticized the decision and expressed disbelief at what transpired.
While Kerr vehemently disagreed with the call, crew chief Bill Kennedy defended it, citing contact in the neck and shoulder area as warranting a personal foul. The NBA’s Last 2-Minute Report sided with the officials, stating that Kuminga’s actions constituted a foul on Green.
Despite some missed calls in the final minutes, including a defensive 3-second violation by the Rockets’ Dillon Brooks and a 5-second violation by the Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski, the league upheld the crucial foul call that decided the game. Kerr’s frustrations may not be assuaged by the report, nor by any potential fine for his public criticism of the officials.
The intense game and controversial call will surely be remembered as a pivotal moment in the ongoing NBA season, stirring debate among fans and analysts alike.