Rockets' Ime Udoka lashes out at officials after OT loss - ESPN

DENVER — Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka was critical of the officiating in his team's 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, saying it was «the most poorly officiated game I've seen in a long time.»

It was a tightly called game, with both teams combining for 59 free throw attempts and Denver's two centers — Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas — fouling out.

The most crucial call, however, happened 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 and Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray made the 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."

It was a wild couple of minutes leading up to the call, with four ties and four lead changes in the final 1:40 of regulation. In overtime, the Nuggets took a 124-117 lead after a Spencer Jones 3 with 2:59 remaining, but the Rockets clawed back, getting within three with the ball and 13 seconds remaining. Alperen Sengun missed a contested 24-foot 3 with 4.9 seconds remaining, allowing Denver to hold on for the victory.

«I mean, it's a physical game,» Murray said after the game of the officiating, according to 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,