The Houston Rockets’ Winning Streak Ends
The Houston Rockets faced a disappointing end to their three-game winning streak on Tuesday night, falling to the Sacramento Kings with a score of 120-111 during the NBA Cup. While the game showcased some intense moments, much of the postgame discussion revolved around a significant incident involving the Rockets’ head coach, Ime Udoka.
Ejection Sparks Controversy
In a dramatic turn of events during the fourth quarter, both Udoka and forward Alperen Sengun were ejected from the game. The duo’s frustration stemmed largely from what they perceived as poor officiating, particularly regarding a series of missed calls on fouls committed against Sengun throughout the match.
Referee Confrontation Leads to Ejection
Udoka’s ejection came after he directed pointed criticism towards referee John Goble. His visible frustration escalated to the point where a Rockets assistant coach had to intervene to prevent further confrontation between Udoka and the officials.
Expressing Frustration Post-Game
After the game, Udoka elaborated on his grievances regarding the officiating. He was particularly vocal about the “blatant missed calls” that he felt were evident to everyone watching. “You’re calling ticky tack moving screens, little stuff like that, but you don’t want to call the obvious ones right in front of you,” he remarked, expressing his disbelief at the officiating decisions.
Specific Incidents Highlighted
Udoka also shared insights into his exchange with the referee, specifically mentioning Sengun’s play. “I thought [Sengun] got fouled a few times on that drive and on the layup, and they don’t want to call it. So I told him to get some f—–g glasses and open your eyes,” Udoka stated candidly, showcasing his frustration with the officiating crew.
Rockets’ Standing in the Western Conference
Despite the loss, the Rockets remained in a strong position, sitting in second place in the Western Conference. Prior to this defeat, Houston had been on an impressive run, having won 10 of their last 12 games.
Looking Ahead
The Rockets are set to face the Golden State Warriors on December 5, and the team will be looking to bounce back from this recent setback. As they navigate the challenges of the NBA season, the team and its coaching staff will undoubtedly be reflecting on the lessons learned from this controversial game.
