UPDATE: Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka unleashed a scathing critique of officiating following his team’s 128-125 overtime defeat against 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 stakes of the matchup and the impact of controversial calls.
The game featured a staggering 59 free throw attempts between both teams, with critical moments shaping the outcome. Notably, the Nuggets lost both of their centers, Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas, to fouls, underscoring the intensity of the contest. However, the turning point occurred with just 2.3 seconds left in regulation when Amen Thompson was called for a foul away from the play as the Nuggets prepared to inbound the ball, a decision that was challenged but ultimately upheld.
With the score tight at 117-116, Nuggets guard Jamal Murray capitalized on the foul, sinking a free throw to tie the game. Udoka did not hold back after the match, stating, “Officials Natalie Sago and Jamahl Ralls have no business being out there… you’re seeing all kind of inconsistent calls.” His frustration resonated throughout the arena as fans and players alike felt the tension of the officiating.
The final minutes of regulation were electrifying, featuring four ties and four lead changes in the last 1:40. In overtime, the Nuggets surged ahead with a 3-pointer from Spencer Jones, pushing the score to 124-117. The Rockets rallied, narrowing the gap to three points with only 13 seconds remaining. However, Alperen Sengun missed a critical 24-foot 3-pointer, sealing the victory for Denver.
“It’s a physical game… I think they missed some calls on our end, and they missed some calls on their end,” Murray reflected on the officiating, suggesting a balance of errors that ultimately affected both teams.
In a standout performance, Jokic notched 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his NBA-leading 12th triple-double of the season. Murray added 35 points, excelling at the free-throw line with a remarkable 14-of-15 performance. Sengun led the Rockets with 33 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, earning his first triple-double of the season.
This loss marked the Rockets’ third consecutive defeat on the road, while the Nuggets, already missing two starters, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, due to injuries, showed resilience against adversity. The win propelled the Nuggets to sole possession of second place in the Western Conference, now sitting at 19-6 and 4.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top seed.
As tensions run high in the league, all eyes will be on how the Rockets respond in their upcoming games and whether the league addresses the officiating concerns raised by Udoka. The implications of this game go beyond the scoreboard, impacting playoff standings and team morale.
