The Rockets rolled into Chicago tonight, fresh off Kevin Durant's monumental achievement of surpassing Michael Jordan on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Expectations were high for an easy road win against the Bulls. However, the Bulls had other plans, delivering a stunning first-quarter blow that left the Rockets reeling.
Chicago came out firing, sinking seven threes while the Rockets couldn't find their mark from beyond the arc. By the end of the first quarter, the Rockets found themselves in a 21-41 hole, a deficit that proved too daunting despite a spirited comeback attempt in the fourth quarter. Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey nailed crucial threes, sealing a 132-124 victory for the Bulls.
Rockets’ head coach Ime Udoka faced a frustrating evening, culminating in an ejection during the final moments after Durant was called for an offensive foul against Buzelis, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback. Udoka didn't mince words post-game, openly criticizing his team’s lackluster start.
“Poor start, disrespected the game, not prepared from the get-go. Just non-aggressive, following them around, watching them shoot. They had nothing to lose; they’re going to fire away,” Udoka stated, highlighting the team's lack of readiness.
He continued, “Obviously, to give up 41 points in that first quarter is disappointing; it was one quarter that killed us, we weren’t prepared to play at all. It’s the NBA. You come out like that, you’re going to be inconsistent, you’re going to have bad losses, this is another one of them.”
Udoka also addressed the officiating, choosing his words carefully to avoid penalties. “Flagrant was soft as hell, it was nothing, and then the techs were soft too.
I’m not about to complain about a soft crew. It is what it is,” he remarked.
The Rockets missed an opportunity to close the gap with the Lakers for the third seed, as the Lakers also stumbled against the Pistons. Now sitting 2.5 games behind with an extra game to play, the Rockets are at 43-28, holding the sixth spot in the West.
Despite standout performances from Alperen Sengun, who delivered a 33-point triple-double, and Kevin Durant, who notched his second 40-point game of the season, the Rockets couldn't secure the win. With a crucial matchup against the Timberwolves looming, Udoka hopes his team will show up with the preparation and intensity that were missing tonight.