UPDATE: Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka is speaking out against 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 critical moments that influenced the outcome.
The game was tightly contested, with both teams combining for a staggering 59 free throw attempts and featuring dramatic fouls, including both of Denver’s centers, Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas, fouling out. However, a pivotal moment occurred with just 2.3 seconds left in regulation when Amen Thompson was called for a foul away from the play, allowing Jamal Murray to make a free throw that tied the game at 117-117.
Udoka did not hold back in his post-game remarks, stating, “Officials Natalie Sago and Jamahl Ralls have no business being out there,” and criticized crew chief Zach Zarba for inconsistency throughout the game. “You’re seeing all kind of inconsistent calls,” he added, expressing frustration over the officiating that overshadowed a thrilling contest.
The final minutes of regulation were chaotic, featuring four ties and four lead changes in the last 1:40. In overtime, Denver surged ahead, leading 124-117 after a crucial three-pointer from Spencer Jones with 2:59 remaining. The Rockets fought back, narrowing the deficit to three points with 13 seconds on the clock. However, a missed three-pointer by Alperen Sengun sealed their fate as time expired.
“It’s a physical game,” stated Murray, who scored 35 points and went 14-of-15 from the free throw line. “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 led the Nuggets with an impressive 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists for his NBA-leading 12th triple-double of the season. Sengun matched that intensity for the Rockets, registering his first triple-double of the season with 33 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds.
The loss marks the Rockets’ third consecutive defeat on the road, while the Nuggets, despite missing key players like Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, now hold sole possession of second place in the Western Conference at 19-6, trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder by 4.5 games.
As the fallout from this controversial game continues, fans and analysts alike are left questioning the integrity of officiating in high-stakes matchups. The Rockets will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge.
