The Houston Rockets ended a 15-game losing streak against the Golden State Warriors with a thrilling 91-90 victory, while the Atlanta Hawks rallied past the New York Knicks for a 108-100 win, securing their places in the NBA Cup semi-finals in Las Vegas.
Rockets’ Determination Pays Off
Led by Alperen Şengün’s dominant performance of 26 points and 11 rebounds, the Rockets snapped a skid against the Warriors that dated back to February 2020. Jalen Green sealed the win with two clutch free throws with 3.5 seconds remaining, as Houston clawed back from a late six-point deficit.
- Key Performers for Houston:
- Alperen Şengün: 26 points, 11 rebounds
- Jalen Green: 12 points, including the game-winning free throws
- Fred VanVleet: Crucial three-pointer during a late 7-0 run
Despite Stephen Curry’s 19 points and Jonathan Kuminga’s team-high 20, the Warriors faltered down the stretch. Curry missed a potential game-winning three-pointer with 11.1 seconds left, and a controversial foul call on Kuminga handed Green the decisive free throws.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was vocal about the decision:
“Never seen a loose-ball foul on a jump-ball situation 80 feet from the basket with the game on the line. That is unconscionable.”
Young Leads Hawks’ Comeback Against Knicks
At Madison Square Garden, Trae Young once again haunted Knicks fans, scoring 22 points with 11 assists as the Hawks overcame a 10-point third-quarter deficit.
- Key Performers for Atlanta:
- De’Andre Hunter: 24 points
- Trae Young: 22 points, 11 assists
- Clint Capela: Highlight alley-oop dunks to ice the game
The Knicks, led by Josh Hart’s 21 points and Karl-Anthony Towns’ 19 points and 19 rebounds, controlled the first half but faltered under Atlanta’s increased pace in the second. Towns fouled out late, leaving the Knicks without their inside presence during the critical final minutes.
“We just try to play for each other and play til the end,” said Young, who remains a villain to Knicks fans since Atlanta’s playoff triumph in 2021.
NBA Cup Semi-Finals Set for Saturday
The semi-finals in Las Vegas promise high-stakes action:
- Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The winners will compete for the NBA Cup title on Tuesday, December 17, in the league’s second edition of the in-season tournament.
Houston and Atlanta’s resilience sets the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the tournament, with both teams riding momentum into their respective matchups.
