UPDATE: Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka did not hold back after his team’s 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on December 4, 2023, criticizing the officiating as “the most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time.” The heated contest featured a staggering 59 free throw attempts from both teams, leading to crucial fouls, including the ejection of Denver’s centers, Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas.
The turning point came with just 2.3 seconds left in regulation and the Nuggets trailing 117-116. A controversial foul was called on Rockets’ guard Amen Thompson, allowing Jamal Murray to sink a free throw that tied the game. Houston challenged the call, but it was upheld, igniting a firestorm from Udoka post-game.
“Just in general, I think, most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time,”
Udoka stated, specifically calling out officials Natalie Sago and Jamahl Ralls. “You’re seeing all kind of inconsistent calls, and I’m sure we should’ve gotten a few more techs.”
The final minutes were chaotic, with four ties and lead changes in the last 1:40 of regulation. In overtime, the Nuggets surged ahead with a three-pointer from Spencer Jones, but the Rockets fought back, narrowing the gap to three with just 13 seconds left. However, Alperen Sengun’s missed 24-foot three-pointer sealed Houston’s fate.
Murray defended 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 they missed some calls on their end, so I don’t really think that was an issue tonight.”
Jokic dominated the court with 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his NBA-leading 12th triple-double of the season. Murray added 35 points, going a perfect 14-of-15 from the free-throw line. For the Rockets, Sengun led with 33 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, achieving his first triple-double of the season.
The loss marks Houston’s third consecutive defeat on the road, as they grapple with ongoing challenges. The Nuggets, already missing starters Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, also lost guard Peyton Watson to injury early in the first quarter.
With this victory, the Nuggets now hold sole possession of second place in the Western Conference at 19-6, trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder by 4.5 games for the number one seed.
As the Rockets regroup, all eyes will be on how they respond in their next matchup. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if Udoka’s criticism leads to any changes in officiating standards or team strategies moving forward.
