Rockets Fall in OT Thriller to Nuggets, Udoka Sounds Off on Officiating
The Houston Rockets came into Denver looking to make a statement, and for most of the night, they did just that. But after a back-and-forth battle that needed overtime to settle, it was the Nuggets who walked away with a 128-125 win-and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka wasn’t shy about where he felt the game got away from his team.
“This was the most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time,” Udoka said postgame. “Two have no business being out there, and the crew chief was acting star-struck.”
That’s not exactly a coach just venting for the sake of it. Udoka’s frustration was rooted in a game that was tightly contested from tip-off to final buzzer, with emotions running high and pivotal calls-or non-calls-looming large in key moments.
Rockets Set the Tone Early, Nuggets Respond
Houston came out with energy and purpose, setting the pace and forcing Denver to grind for every bucket. The Rockets moved the ball well, played physical defense, and looked like a team that’s starting to believe it belongs in the Western Conference’s upper tier.
But the Nuggets didn’t stay quiet for long. Behind a vintage performance from Nikola Jokic-who dropped a game-high 39 points-Denver clawed back with an 8-0 run in the second quarter.
By halftime, they’d taken a 58-51 lead. The momentum shift also came with some sideline fireworks, as Udoka picked up a technical foul during a heated exchange with the officials.
From there, it was a slugfest. Kevin Durant poured in 25 points for Houston, continuing to find his rhythm with his new squad, while Alperen Sengun turned in one of his most impressive performances of the season with 33 points.
The Rockets refused to back down, pushing the game into overtime. But in the extra period, Denver made just enough plays to escape with the win.
A Frustrated Udoka, But a Focused Vision
Udoka’s postgame comments weren’t just about one night. They reflected a coach who’s fully invested in a team that’s turned a corner. The Rockets have gone from a rebuilding project to a legitimate threat in the West, and that transformation hasn’t happened by accident.
“I think we’re all on the same page,” Udoka said. “The progress we’ve taken about developing guys, but at the same time, winning and trying to develop those habits…”
That’s been the blueprint since Udoka took over. While Durant’s arrival has certainly elevated expectations, the foundation has been built through smart drafting and player development. Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr.-these are young players who aren’t just learning on the job, they’re contributing in real time.
Udoka emphasized the alignment between the coaching staff, front office, and ownership. “That’s reflected by my contract, but also the commitment we have with the players that we signed,” he said.
A Team on the Rise
Despite the loss, this was another sign that the Rockets are no longer just a team with potential-they’re a team with purpose. They’ve got a balanced roster, a coach who holds everyone accountable, and a mix of youth and experience that’s starting to click.
Games like this-tight, emotional, and playoff-like in intensity-are part of the learning curve. And while the officiating will dominate the postgame headlines, the bigger story is that Houston went toe-to-toe with the defending champs in their building and nearly pulled it off.
The Rockets are coming. And if they keep playing like this, they won’t be sneaking up on anyone much longer.