Ime Udoka Fined $25K for Criticizing Officials After Loss

Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka was fined $25,000 by the NBA for publicly criticizing officiating following his team's 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets. In a postgame press conference, Udoka described the officiating as 'the most poorly officiated game I've seen in a long time,' targeting officials Zach Zarba, Natalie Sago, and JD Ralls.

His comments came after the game's Last Two Minute Report revealed three incorrect calls in overtime, all favoring the Nuggets, including a controversial foul called on Rockets' Amen Thompson that allowed Jamal Murray to tie the game with a free throw.

Udoka's remarks not only express his frustration with the calls but also highlight the ongoing tensions between coaches and referees, particularly in close games that impact playoff standings.