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Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was fed up with how the team’s overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets was officiated on Monday night.
Nuggets star Nikola Jokic scored 39 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out 10 assists in the 128-125 victory. Udoka expressed dismay at the crew that called the game, including the bad shots Jamal Murray received to tie the game at the end of regulation after an off-ball foul on Houston’s Amen Thompson.
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Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, right, confers with guard Josh Okogie (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
“Ticky tack,” Udoka said of the foul call that gave Murray the free throw opportunities. “Went to the game tonight. Not surprised by the crew we had out there.
“Just overall I think it was the worst refereed game I’ve seen in a long time,” he added. “Those two have no business being out there and the crew chief acted starstruck then. Seen all kinds of inconsistent calls. I’m sure we should have had a few more technicians.”
The Rockets were called for 25 fouls and the Nuggets were hit with 28. However, Denver had 33 free throw attempts compared to Houston’s 26. Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas fouled out.
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, front, right, steals a pass intended for Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, as Houston center Steven Adams watches the play during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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The final 1:40 of regulation featured four ties and four lead changes, capped by Thompson’s foul on Murray — who had 35 points, five assists and three rebounds.
Denver had a seven-point lead in overtime, but Houston got within three points with 13 seconds left in the game. Alper’s Sengun missed a contested 24-foot 3-pointer with 4.9 seconds left. Sengun had 33 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds.
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant, right, passes the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Kevin Durant added 25 points, seven assists, five rebounds and five blocks.
