Rockets head coach Ime Udoka blasts officials after overtime loss – Basketball Insider
Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka publicly criticized the officiating staff after a dramatic 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets. Udoka called the match one of the worst officiated he had seen in a long time and questioned the competency of the referee assigned to the match. His comments in the locker room after the loss highlighted his frustration with crucial calls that affected the final seconds.
Udoka singled out officials and questioned their decisions at crucial moments. He felt the players failed to be consistent in fouling and thought Houston should have received more technical fouls. Udoka also said the team leader seemed “starstruck,” meaning officials were influenced by the league’s superstars on the court rather than evenly enforcing the rules.
Controversial call sends game into overtime
The game remained close throughout regulation, with several lead changes in the final minutes. With the Rockets ahead and time winding down, Amen Thompson was called for a controversial foul. This call allowed the Nuggets to get free throws in the final seconds, which tied the game and sent it into overtime.
Houston challenged the decision, but a review upheld it. Murray then hit a key free throw to tie the score. The final play sparked Udoka’s ire as he believed the call was questionable and inconsistent with previous foul calls in the game.
Historic performance at two centers
Despite the loss, both teams’ big men posted outstanding statistics. Nikola Jokic once again established his MVP-level dominance with a triple-double of 39 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. At the same time, Alperen Sengun also scored a triple-double of 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. This was the first time in NBA history that two centers scored a 30-point triple-double each in the same game.
The rare feat of Jokic and Sengon added historical significance to the game and gave fans a lot to discuss in addition to the controversial call.
Despite frustration, Rockets respond
After the game, Rockets players also expressed their dissatisfaction with the referees, but no one was as outspoken as Udoka. Some mentioned that the calls seemed inconsistent on both ends, especially late in the regular season and early in overtime. Nuggets guard Jamal Murray acknowledged that officiating is difficult, noting that officials can miss calls on both sides of the ball in a high-stakes game.
Houston played competitive basketball from beginning to end, rebounding repeatedly and almost completing the final comeback. However, a late execution and controversial call by Denver changed the final outcome. The Rockets have now given up another tough road game, adding fuel to an early-season debate about officiating consistency across the league.
