UPDATE: Moments ago, Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka unleashed a furious critique of the officiating following his team’s 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on December 4, 2023. Udoka described the game as “the most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time,” highlighting the contentious calls that marred the matchup.
The game was tightly contested, with both teams combining for an astonishing 59 free throw attempts. Key players, including Denver’s centers Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas, both fouled out as tensions escalated in the closing moments.
With only 2.3 seconds remaining in regulation and the Nuggets trailing 117-116, a controversial foul was called on Rockets’ rookie Amen Thompson for tripping Tim Hardaway Jr.. Despite Houston challenging the call, it was upheld, leading to Jamal Murray converting the free throw to tie the game.
“Just in general, I think, most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time,” Udoka stated post-game. “Officials Natalie Sago and Jamahl Ralls have no business being out there, and crew chief Zach Zarba was acting starstruck.”
The last few minutes were electrifying, featuring four ties and lead changes in just 1:40. In overtime, the Nuggets pulled ahead 124-117 after a critical three-pointer from Spencer Jones. However, the Rockets fought back, narrowing the gap to just three points with the ball and only 13 seconds left. Alperen Sengun missed a contested three-point attempt, sealing Houston’s fate and marking their third consecutive road loss.
“It’s a physical game,” said Murray, reflecting on the officiating. “It’s tough for the refs to call both sides, like, dead even. I think they missed some calls on our end, and they missed some calls on their end, so I don’t really think that was an issue tonight.”
The game showcased standout performances, with Jokic securing his NBA-leading 12th triple-double with 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. Murray added 35 points and was flawless from the free-throw line, going 14-of-15. Sengun led the Rockets with a triple-double of his own, scoring 33 points alongside 10 assists and 10 rebounds.
The Nuggets, already missing two starters, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, also lost guard Peyton Watson early in the game due to a right trunk contusion. Nevertheless, this victory elevates the Nuggets to sole possession of second place in the Western Conference at 19-6, now only 4.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top seed.
As the Rockets regroup, all eyes will be on how they respond in their next matchup. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
