UPDATE: Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka unleashed a fierce critique of officiating following his team’s 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on December 4, 2023. Udoka did not hold back, calling the game “the most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time.”
The game was marked by intense calls, resulting in a staggering 59 free throw attempts from both teams combined. The situation escalated with both of Denver’s centers, Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas, fouling out. However, the pivotal moment occurred with just 2.3 seconds remaining in regulation when Amen Thompson was penalized for a foul away from the play, allowing Jamal Murray to tie the game with a critical free throw.
Udoka expressed his frustration, stating, “
Just in general, I think, most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time. [Officials Natalie Sago and Jamahl Ralls] have no business being out there, and [crew chief Zach Zarba] was acting starstruck.
” His comments highlight a growing discontent with officiating standards in the league.
The final moments of regulation saw a flurry of action, with four ties and four lead changes in the last 1:40. The Nuggets surged ahead in overtime, establishing a 124-117 lead after a three-pointer from Spencer Jones. The Rockets fought back, narrowing the gap to three points with just 13 seconds left, but a missed shot by Alperen Sengun sealed their fate.
Murray reflected on the officiating, noting, “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.”
In a standout performance, Jokic recorded 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his NBA-leading 12th triple-double. Murray contributed significantly with 35 points and an impressive 14-of-15 from the free-throw line. Sengun led the Rockets with 33 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, achieving his first triple-double of the season.
The Rockets, now on a three-game road losing streak, faced a depleted Nuggets team missing two starters: Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle), along with Peyton Watson, who exited early due to injury.
The victory solidifies the Nuggets’ hold on second place in the Western Conference with a record of 19-6, positioning them 4.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top seed.
As tensions rise over officiating standards and team performances, all eyes will be on how the Rockets respond in their upcoming games. Fans and analysts alike are eager for the next development in this unfolding story.
