The Golden State Warriors’ 15-game winning streak against the Houston Rockets came to an end on Wednesday as they were narrowly beaten 91-90 in the NBA Cup quarterfinals at the Toyota Center.
The Warriors led 90-89 with less than 15 seconds on the clock but a controversial foul call put Jalen Green on the line, with Rockets’ guard converting his two free throws with 3.5 seconds left.
BEAT THE BAY 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/SrBOKUej17
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 12, 2024
Jonathan Kuminga led the Warriors with 20 points, Stephen Curry added 19, and Buddy Hield finished with 15 points as Golden States lost to Houston for the first time since 20 February 2020.
The Rockets were carried by a 26-point and 11-rebound double-double from Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. Added 15 as Green and Amen Thompson combined for 22 points as they marched on to the NBA Cup semifinals, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night.
VEGAS BOUND 🤩🎲 pic.twitter.com/VldZeWQRVD
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 12, 2024
Elsewhere, a huge third quarter helped the Atlanta Hawks rally to a 108-100 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
BOOM! pic.twitter.com/SGu0Is8Eaf
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 12, 2024
Trae Young had 22 points and 11 assists, De’Andre Hunter finished with 24 points and Jalen Johnson finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Atlanta into the NBA Cup last four, where they will take on the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.
We will be there no matter what!! pic.twitter.com/aSttRbPKfn
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 12, 2024
Josh Hart scored 21 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points and 19 rebounds for the Knicks, who despite being the favourites, were knocked out following a poor second half.
