NBA Faces Punishment Decision After Ime Udoka Accusation

Despite the high level of talent on display, the game was not without controversy, especially in the final seconds of regulation. With Houston up 117-116 and time dwindling, Amen Thompson was whistled for a controversial foul away from the play, a call many felt was questionable because Nuggets’ Tim Hardaway Jr. tripped over his own feet before contacting Thompson.

The foul, upheld after challenge, sent Nuggets star Jamal Murray to the free-throw line, where he tied the game and sent it to overtime. Many observers and Rockets personnel viewed the call as inconsistent with how physicality had been officiated throughout the night.

After the game, Rockets coach Ime Udoka openly blasted the officiating, calling it “the most poorly officiated game I’ve seen in a long time” and criticizing the officiating crew, including crew chief Zach Zarba, for inconsistency and what he described as star-struck tendencies.

“Two have no business being out there and the crew chief was acting star struck,” Udoka said. “You’ve seen all kinds of inconsistent calls. I’m sure we should have got a few more techs.”

He added that his message to the team was to stay true to themselves and not “adjust to poor officials” (via Houston Rockets sideline reporter Vanessa Richardson).

While Udoka’s frustration resonated with fans and some analysts, the NBA strictly discourages public criticism of officiating from coaches and players because it can undermine confidence in officiating integrity and fuel unnecessary controversy.

The league’s rulebook and conduct policies allow for fines and discipline when comments are deemed detrimental to the league’s image or “publicly criticizing officials,” as has happened in recent seasons. For example, Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Riverswas fined $25,000 in November 2024 for publicly criticizing officiating after a loss.

As a result, the NBA may review Udoka’s comments and could issue a fine or other disciplinary action in the coming days.

The Rockets will look to regroup quickly, as they travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, followed by a rematch with the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.