Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka called out the officiating after Monday night’s 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets, stating it was “the most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time.”
Ime Udoka Challenged Late-Game Call
Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic had 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists for his NBA-leading 12th triple-double of the season in a matchup of two of the top three teams in the Western Conference standings.
However, Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas both fouled out in a winnable game for Houston.
With 2.3 seconds remaining in regulation and Denver down 117-116, before the Nuggets could inbound the ball for the final possession, Amen Thompson was called for a foul away from the play after he appeared to trip Tim Hardaway Jr. Houston challenged the call, but it was upheld.
Ime Udoka with his thoughts on the #Rockets OT loss to the Nuggets
It’s a must listen.@HoustonRockets play Denver again on Saturday pic.twitter.com/jzY0qff5mV
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) December 16, 2025
A better replay angle of Amen Thompson fouling Tim Hardaway Jr. with his left shin prior to inbound, with 2.3 seconds remaining in regulation https://t.co/9bgeGt7rQR pic.twitter.com/1rU2XcAIWQ
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) December 16, 2025
Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray made the ensuing free throw to tie the score.
“Just in general, I think, most poorly officiated game I’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, and I’m sure we should’ve gotten a few more techs.”
The call followed four ties and four lead changes in the final 1:40 of regulation.
Nuggets Pulled Away From Rockets In OT
In overtime, the Nuggets took a 124-117 lead after a Spencer Jones hit a 3-pointer with 2:59 remaining, but the Rockets stayed within three points as well as held possession with 13 seconds remaining.
Nonetheless, Alperen Sengun missed a contested 24-foot 3 with 4.9 seconds remaining, allowing Denver to hold on for their fifth win in a row and their first home victory since Nov. 8.
“I mean, it’s a physical game,” Murray said after the game of the officiating, per The Denver Post. “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.”
Murray ended his outing with 35 points while going 14-of-15 at the free throw line.
The Nuggets were already down two starters in Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle). They also played most of the game without Peyton Watson, who left six minutes into the first quarter after suffering a right trunk contusion.
Meanwhile, Sengun finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists for his first triple-double of the season. Kevin Durant added 25 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and five blocks for Houston.
The victory gave the Nuggets sole possession of second place in the Western Conference at 19-6. They are currently 4½ games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (24-2) for the No. 1 seed.
The Rockets (16-7) visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, while the Nuggets host the Orlando Magic on the same day. Denver has won seven of its last 10 games.
