UPDATE: Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka has launched a blistering attack on officiating after his team suffered a devastating 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on December 4, 2023. Udoka labeled the game as “the most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time,” sparking intense debate over the calls that shaped this critical matchup.
This closely contested game featured a staggering 59 free throw attempts between both teams, with Nuggets centers Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas both fouling out. The pivotal moment arrived with just 2.3 seconds left in regulation when a controversial foul was called on Rockets’ guard Amen Thompson, allowing Nuggets’ point guard Jamal Murray to sink a free throw that tied the game at 117-117.
Udoka did not hold back in his post-game remarks, criticizing officials Natalie Sago and Jamahl Ralls for their performance. He stated, “They have no business being out there, and [crew chief] Zach Zarba was acting starstruck. You’re seeing all kinds of inconsistent calls.” His comments reflect the frustration felt by the Rockets, especially after a series of lead changes and ties in the final moments of regulation.
In the overtime period, the Nuggets surged ahead with a 124-117 lead thanks to a clutch three-pointer from Spencer Jones. The Rockets rallied, getting within three points, but a crucial missed three-pointer by Alperen Sengun with 4.9 seconds left sealed their fate.
Despite the loss, Sengun impressed with a triple-double, scoring 33 points, alongside 10 assists and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Jokic dominated with a staggering 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his NBA-leading 12th triple-double of the season. Murray contributed significantly as well, netting 35 points while going 14-of-15 from the free-throw line.
The Nuggets, who were missing key players including Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, now hold the second position in the Western Conference with a record of 19-6. They remain 4.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, who sit atop the standings.
This loss marks the Rockets’ third consecutive defeat on the road, bringing their season’s challenges into sharper focus. As the team moves forward, all eyes will be on how they respond to this controversial loss and the implications it has for their playoff aspirations.
Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting the Rockets’ next game, as tensions rise around their performance and the ongoing discussions regarding officiating standards in the NBA.
