The Houston Rockets were on the brink of a signature road win against the defending champion Denver Nuggets, but a controversial whistle in the final seconds flipped the script. What looked like a gutsy victory turned into a gut-punch overtime loss, 128-125, and now the Rockets find themselves sliding from second to fifth in the Western Conference standings - a harsh reminder of just how tight things are at the top.
But it wasn’t just the loss that had people talking. It was how it happened - and what Rockets head coach Ime Udoka had to say afterward.
A Call That Changed Everything
With just 2.3 seconds left in regulation and Houston clinging to a one-point lead, Nuggets guard Tim Hardaway Jr. got tangled up with Rockets rookie Amen Thompson on an inbound play. Officials called a foul on Thompson, citing contact between his left shin and Hardaway’s leg that sent the Denver guard to the floor.
Udoka immediately challenged the call, believing it was incidental contact - the kind of play that often gets brushed off in crunch time. But after review, crew chief Zach Zarba upheld the foul, giving Denver a free throw and possession. Jamal Murray calmly knocked down the shot to tie the game, and Nikola Jokić’s potential game-winner rimmed out as time expired.
In overtime, Denver came out fast and never looked back. The Rockets, still reeling from the end of regulation, couldn’t find their footing. And while the Nuggets executed well in the extra period, there were more whistles - and non-whistles - that left Houston visibly frustrated.
Udoka Doesn’t Hold Back
Postgame, Udoka didn’t mince words. His frustration with the officiating was front and center.
"Just in general, I think as poorly officiated a game I've seen in a long time," he said. "Two have no business being out there and the crew chief was acting star struck."
That’s not your everyday postgame commentary. Calling out two officials as unfit for the job and accusing the lead ref of being “star struck” - presumably in reference to how calls were handled involving Jokić - is about as direct as it gets. The league office is almost certainly going to respond with a fine, but Udoka clearly felt the message was worth the cost.
And the message wasn’t just for the officials. It was for his team.
"Keep being who we are," Udoka told his players. "We're not going to adjust to poor officials."
A Bigger Picture for Houston
Beyond the drama, this game was a measuring stick for the Rockets - and they came close to passing with flying colors. They went toe-to-toe with one of the league’s best on the road, and despite the final result, there were plenty of positives to take away. The Rockets showed they belong in the conversation among the West’s elite.
But it’s also a reminder of how small the margins are. One whistle, one call, one bounce - and everything changes. That’s life in a loaded Western Conference, where a single loss can drop you several spots in the standings.
For Houston, the challenge now is to channel that frustration the right way. Udoka’s message was clear: don’t let the officiating dictate your identity.
Keep playing your brand of basketball. Keep pushing.
Because if the Rockets continue to compete like they did in Denver, they’ll have plenty more chances to prove they’re for real - and maybe even flip the script when it matters most.