Ime Udoka isn’t taking lightly with how referees officiated Rockets-Nuggets game.
Coach Ime Udoka had a long night. The Houston Rockets lost to the Denver Nuggets, and he was not in the mood to smile, shrug, or move on. No, he went straight for the whistle.
According to Udoka, the Rockets did not just lose to the Nuggets. They also lost to the referees. And judging by his tone, the refs were clearly wearing invisible Denver jerseys.
Ime did not whisper his frustration. He blasted it. Loudly, clearly and probably still mad when he got home.
“Just in general, I think, most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time,” he told reporters 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.”
So expect a fine. Expect a short apology. Expect Udoka to say he was “just passionate.”
But also expect him to remember this game always because the next time Houston plays Denver, coach Ime Udoka will not forget the whistles. And neither will the referees.
Ime Udoka on officiating after Rockets loss in Denver.
“Most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time. Two have no business being out there and the crew chief was acting star struck.” @SpaceCityHN @HoustonRockets pic.twitter.com/8NIJFlWSW6
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) December 16, 2025
Good luck, Ime Udoka and the Houston Rockets next time.
