UPDATE: Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka unleashed a furious critique of the officiating following his team’s devastating 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on December 4, 2023. Udoka labeled the game as “the most poorly officiated I’ve seen in a long time,” raising questions about the integrity of the officiating crew.
The match was marked by an astonishing 59 free throw attempts combined from both teams, indicating the tightly contested nature of the game. Notably, the Nuggets saw their two centers, Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas, both foul out. However, the pivotal moment came with just 2.3 seconds left in regulation when the Nuggets were trailing 117-116. A controversial foul was called on Rockets’ Amen Thompson for tripping Tim Hardaway Jr., leading to a free throw from Jamal Murray that tied 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.”
As the clock ticked down, the game escalated with four ties and four lead changes within the final 1:40 of regulation. In overtime, the Nuggets surged ahead with a 124-117 lead after a crucial three-pointer from Spencer Jones. The Rockets made a valiant effort to rally, closing the gap to three points with just 13 seconds remaining. However, Alperen Sengun‘s missed contested three-pointer sealed their fate.
Despite the loss, Sengun delivered an impressive performance, scoring 33 points and securing 10 assists and 10 rebounds for his first triple-double of the season. Kevin Durant also contributed significantly with 25 points, 7 assists, and 5 blocks.
On the other side, Jokic dominated with 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his NBA-leading 12th triple-double. Murray added 35 points, showcasing his skill by going 14-of-15 from the free-throw line. Despite missing key players Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, the Nuggets managed to secure a vital win, solidifying their position in the Western Conference with a record of 19-6.
As the Rockets reflect on their third consecutive road loss, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how the team bounces back in their next matches. The controversy surrounding the officiating is likely to linger as both teams prepare for their upcoming challenges.
