UPDATE: Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka unleashed a scathing critique of the officiating following his team’s 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on December 4, 2023. Udoka declared it “the most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time,” highlighting a series of controversial calls that altered the game’s outcome.
The game was tightly contested, with both teams combining for an astounding 59 free throw attempts. The most pivotal moment occurred with just 2.3 seconds left in regulation. The Nuggets were trailing 117-116 when a foul was called on Rockets’ guard Amen Thompson, who appeared to trip Tim Hardaway Jr. away from the ball. Despite Houston challenging the call, it stood, allowing Jamal Murray to sink the free throw and tie the game.
Udoka did not hold back in his post-game comments:
“[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.”
The final moments of regulation saw intense back-and-forth action, with four ties and four lead changes in the last 1:40. In overtime, the Nuggets surged ahead with a three-pointer from Spencer Jones, making it 124-117 with 2:59 remaining. The Rockets fought back, cutting the deficit to three points, but Alperen Sengun missed a crucial three-pointer with 4.9 seconds left, sealing the Nuggets’ victory.
Murray shared his perspective on the officiating, stating,
“It’s tough for the refs to call both sides, like, dead even. I think they missed some calls on our end, and they missed some calls on their end, so I don’t really think that was an issue tonight.”
Nikola Jokic delivered a stellar performance for the Nuggets, finishing with 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his NBA-leading 12th triple-double of the season. Murray added 35 points, going a remarkable 14-of-15 from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Sengun led the Rockets with 33 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, achieving his first triple-double of the season.
The defeat marks the Rockets’ third consecutive loss on the road as they struggle to find momentum. The Nuggets, playing without key starters Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle), were further challenged when starting guard Peyton Watson left the game early due to a right trunk contusion.
With this victory, the Nuggets secure sole possession of second place in the Western Conference at 19-6, now just 4.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top seed. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Rockets respond to this defeat and the implications for both teams moving forward.
