Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka fined for referee comments after game against Denver Nuggets, Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun
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Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka had strong words of criticism for NBA officials after his team lost to the Denver Nuggets in overtime.
Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka made sure everyone heard his criticism of theNBA’s referees in histeam’s recent overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets.
After losing by three points to NikolaJokic and the Nuggets in what was deemed an ‘instant classic,‘the Rockets coach lashed out multiple times against thegame’s officials.
“Just in general, I think, most poorly officiated gameI’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, andI’m sure weshould’ve gotten a few more techs.”
Now, the NBA has announcedit’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
Udokaisn’t a stranger to confrontation or letting his voicebe 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 theRockets’ 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 15 at Ball Arena.”
Interestingly enough, theNBA’s Final Two Minute Report actually backed up some ofUdoka’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 theNBA’s Last Two Minute Report, fouls against theRockets’Kevin Durant andAmen Thompson should not havebeen called, and one againstDenver’sTim 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.”
There were three missed calls in the NBA’s Last 2 minute report from the Rockets Nuggets OT game. They all favored the Nuggets….
All together, Denver received 4 free throws and a free throw trip was taken away from Alperen Şengün….
Pathetic. https://t.co/1yjB29IAvB
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) December 16, 2025
DespiteUdoka’s pleas during the game and criticismafter, the Rockets went home withthe loss against a teamthat they couldvery well match up against again in the postseason.
Rockets Continue Run As Title Contenders
Houstonwent through a lot of change over the offseason,specifically in the form ofadding Durant in adeal that sent Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to the Phoenix Suns. While that dealhasn’t been as disastrous for the Suns as many initially expected, it has worked outextremely well for the Rockets.
Theywere 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 remainedhis consistentself, averaging 24.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and four assists on 50% shooting at 37 years old. While it is fairhe’s taken a slight step back, Houston hasput a very strong supporting cast around the two-time Finals MVP, with the likelihood that his responsibilities ramp up once the playoffscome 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 ‘BabyJokic’ 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 theteam’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 defensiverating.
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.