The Houston Rockets have been one of the best teams in the NBA this season. They have both a top-five offense and a top-five defense, a feat that only the Oklahoma City Thunder is also accomplishing. Houston looks like a title-contender.
Unfortunately, Houston dropped a game to the Nuggets in overtime. It was a game that would have helped the Rockets in the standings, as they now sit fifth in the Western Conference. Had a few plays gone differently, perhaps Houston could have won the game.
Following the game, Ime Udoka did not mince words. He took some shots at the officials, blaming them for the reason why Houston did not come out on top in this game.
GettyRockets coach Ime Udoka looks at the officials. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Rockets Coach Ime Udoka Crushes Refs After Nuggets Game
After the game, Udoka let it rip against the referees.
“Just in general, I think it was the most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time. Two have no business being out there, and the crew chief was acting star-struck. You’re seeing all kinds of inconsistent calls, and I’m sure we should’ve gotten a few more techs.”
Udoka didn’t stop there, either. When asked what he tells his team when a game is being called like that, Udoka gave them this message.
“Keep being who we are. You’re not going to adjust to poor officials. We just got to do what we do, and hopefully they can adjust and call it the right way.”
Udoka was clearly unhappy with the way things were called, but the free-throw disparity was not egregious. Houston shot only six fewer free throws than the Nuggets did. In fact, the Nuggets were called for three more fouls than the Rockets were.
Fouls were not the reason why the Rockets lost this game. Turnovers were a massive issue, as they turned it over 16 times. Comparatively, Denver turned it over just 10 times. Udoka’s fury should be directed at his team’s lack of ball security instead of the officials.
GettyRockets forward Kevin Durant shoots the ball. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Houston is Still in a Good Spot to Challenge OKC
Even with this loss, the Rockets are still in a good spot to challenge the Thunder. Oklahoma City is by far the favorite to win the championship this season. In order to beat them, a team needs to protect the basketball and limit the Thunder’s runs, similar to what the Pacers did in last year’s Finals.
Houston has the talent and the rebounding to be able to do that. If they can keep themselves healthy, there is no reason why the Rockets won’t be able to compete in the Western Conference. Only the Thunder have a better net rating than they do.
Houston still has some assets left over to make a big trade, but they might end up standing pat at the trade deadline. Their team is good enough to win big games as it is currently constructed.
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