Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka made sure everyone heard his criticism of the NBA’s referees in his team’s recent overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets.
After losing by three points to Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets in what was deemed an ‘instant classic,‘ the Rockets coach lashed out multiple times against the game’s officials.
“Just in general, I think, most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time,” Udoka said after the game. “[Officials Natalie Sago and Jamahl Ralls] have no business being out there, and [crew chief Zach Zarba] was acting starstruck. You’re seeing all kind of inconsistent calls, and I’m sure we should’ve gotten a few more techs.”
Now, the NBA has announced it’s punishment for Udoka, in the form of a $25,000 fine for the coach for his comments.
Ime Udoka Fined For Comments After Rockets-Nuggets Game
Udoka isn’t a stranger to confrontation or letting his voice be heard, but for the league, his comments crossed a line, as they wrote in the official statement announcing the fine.
“Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has been fined $25,000 for public criticism of the officiating,” the NBA wrote. “Udoka made his comments to the media following the Rockets’ 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 15 at Ball Arena.”
Interestingly enough, the NBA’s Final Two Minute Report actually backed up some of Udoka’s claims. According to the league, game officials missed three calls in the closing stages of the contest, all of which went in favor of the Nuggets.
“According to the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report, fouls against the Rockets’ Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson should not have been called, and one against Denver’s Tim Hardaway Jr. should have been,” ESPN wrote.
“One of the most crucial calls in the game, a foul against Thompson for tripping Hardaway that resulted in a tying free throw for the Nuggets in the waning seconds of regulation, was not reviewed by the report. But it was challenged by Houston during the game and upheld upon review.”
Despite Udoka’s pleas during the game and criticism after, the Rockets went home with the loss against a team that they could very well match up against again in the postseason.
Rockets Continue Run As Title Contenders
Houston went through a lot of change over the offseason, specifically in the form of adding Durant in a deal that sent Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to the Phoenix Suns. While that deal hasn’t been as disastrous for the Suns as many initially expected, it has worked out extremely well for the Rockets.
They were always expected to be title contenders, but through the first eight weeks of the season, that remains the case as they battle with the Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder as the best teams in the Western Conference.
Durant has remained his consistent self, averaging 24.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and four assists on 50% shooting at 37 years old. While it is fair he’s taken a slight step back, Houston has put a very strong supporting cast around the two-time Finals MVP, with the likelihood that his responsibilities ramp up once the playoffs come around.
In the form of that supporting cast, it has mainly been Alperen Sengun and Thompson. Sengun is averaging 23.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists, also on 50% shooting, earning the ‘Baby Jokic’ moniker in the process with his play this season. Thompson has also stepped up, dropping 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while strengthening his case as one of the best defensive perimeter players in the process.
Guys like Jabari Smith, Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, and Josh Okogie have also been solid in replacing the team’s other losses over the offseason. The Rockets are second in net rating with a +9.7 and are also third in both offensive and defensive rating.
They have a small window to compete for a title in Durant’s final years, but so far this season, the Rockets are on pace to at least made a strong challenge.
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