Ime Udoka Blasts Referees Following Overtime Loss to Nuggets

UPDATE: Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka has launched a scathing attack on officiating following his team’s 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on December 4, 2023. In a post-game interview, Udoka declared it “the most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time,” highlighting critical calls that may have impacted the game’s outcome.

The contest was a tightly contested affair, with both teams combining for a staggering 59 free throw attempts. Notably, Denver’s centers, Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas, both fouled out as the intensity escalated. The most controversial moment occurred with just 2.3 seconds left in regulation. The Nuggets were trailing 117-116 when Amen Thompson was called for a foul after tripping Tim Hardaway Jr., a call upheld despite Houston’s challenge.

“Just in general, I think it’s the most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time,” Udoka stated, criticizing officials Natalie Sago and Jamahl Ralls. “You’re seeing all kinds of inconsistent calls.”

The final minutes were chaotic, featuring four ties and four lead changes within 1:40 of regulation. In overtime, the Nuggets surged ahead with a 124-117 lead after a Spencer Jones three-pointer. However, the Rockets fought back, narrowing the gap to three points with 13 seconds remaining. A critical missed shot by Alperen Sengun from 24 feet sealed Houston’s fate.

After the game, Nuggets guard Jamal Murray offered a different perspective on the officiating, saying, “It’s tough for the refs to call both sides like, dead even. I think they missed some calls on our end and theirs, so I don’t really think that was an issue tonight.”

Jokic delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his league-leading 12th triple-double. Murray added 35 points, shooting an impressive 14-of-15 from the free-throw line. For the Rockets, Sengun stood out with 33 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds for his first triple-double of the season.

This defeat marks the Rockets’ third consecutive loss on the road. They struggled against a Nuggets squad already missing two starters, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, and losing Peyton Watson early in the game due to injury. With this win, the Nuggets have claimed sole possession of second place in the Western Conference at 19-6, now 4.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top seed.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching how the Rockets respond in their next matchup, with Udoka’s comments likely to fuel further discussions about officiating standards in the league.