The Houston Rockets secured a dramatic 91-90 comeback victory over the Golden State Warriors to claim the final spot in the Emirates Cup semifinals on June 12 (KST) at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.The Emirates Cup, introduced last season, is a unique tournament where all games except the final count toward regular-season standings.With the win, the semifinals are now set. Houston will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 15 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for a shot at the final, while the Atlanta Hawks, who defeated the New York Knicks 108-100, will take on the Milwaukee Bucks. The two winners will compete for the championship trophy on June 18.Houston improved to a 17-8 record, tying the Memphis Grizzlies for second place in the Western Conference standings. Golden State, meanwhile, fell to 14-10, placing fifth in the West.Alperen Şengün led Houston with a dominant performance, recording 26 points and 11 rebounds. For Golden State, Jonathan Kuminga scored 20 points, while Stephen Curry added 19, but their late-game struggles cost them the victory.Houston led 44-37 at halftime, but Golden State turned the tide in the third quarter. Kuminga and Curry sparked a comeback with consecutive baskets, and Buddy Hield’s mid-range jumper tightened the gap. A buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Hield gave Golden State a 66-63 lead heading into the fourth.The final quarter saw both teams exchanging blows in a tense back-and-forth battle. Golden State appeared poised for victory after pulling ahead 90-84 with just over two minutes remaining.However, Houston mounted a spirited comeback. Fred VanVleet drained a clutch 3-pointer, and Şengün followed up with a layup to narrow the gap to 89-90. With under 30 seconds remaining, Curry missed a crucial 3-pointer, giving Houston a lifeline. Jonathan Kuminga’s late foul sent Jalen Green to the free-throw line, where he calmly sank both shots to put Houston ahead 91-90.Golden State had one last opportunity with 3 seconds left, but Brandin Podziemski’s desperation 3-point attempt fell short, sealing Houston’s victory.For basketball fans looking to make predictions on high-stakes matchups like the Emirates Cup semifinals, it’s crucial to prioritize safe and secure sports betting. Before placing bets on
안전을 보장하는 안전놀이터, verifying platforms through sports verification sites for thorough verification ensures a safe betting experience. Avoiding unverified platforms allows fans to enjoy the excitement of basketball responsibly and securely.With momentum on their side, the Rockets now turn their attention to the semifinals, where they will clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder in a high-stakes showdown for a spot in the Emirates Cup final. The Houston Rockets’ thrilling comeback victory has set the stage for an electrifying finish to this year’s tournament.