The Golden State Warriors’ NBA Cup journey came to an end after a narrow one-point loss to the Houston Rockets in the quarterfinals. While the intense game delivered plenty of drama, it also featured an unexpected moment involving Stephen Curry that sparked considerable discussion.
The incident occurred after Curry sank a three-point shot. A referee made a highly controversial call that left both Curry and the crowd stunned. Curry’s reaction was one of disbelief, but what followed was even more surprising—an apparent acknowledgment of error by the referee, who made a rare apologetic gesture toward the star player. This unusual exchange quickly became a talking point among fans, as such gestures from officials are seldom seen during games.
Despite Curry’s efforts and his interaction with the referee, the Warriors were unable to overcome their challenges and advance to the semifinals. Their early-season dominance, which included victories over strong teams like the Boston Celtics, has since waned due to issues like turnovers. Against Houston, Golden State struggled offensively, scoring fewer than 100 points. Even Curry, often unstoppable, was held to just 19 points, as the Rockets capitalized on their rebounding edge to control the game.
The Rockets’ victory secured their place in the NBA Cup semifinals, further cementing the tournament’s growing importance within the regular season. With three young teams in contention and only the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, standing out as seasoned contenders, the NBA Cup promises thrilling matchups ahead.