Rockets coach Ime Udoka fined $25K for criticism of officials

Field Level Media|published: Wed 17th December, 15:57 2025

Nov 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka directs his team against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Wednesday for his criticism of game referees following a 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday.

The Nuggets tied the game 117-117 with 2.3 seconds remaining on a free throw from Jamal Murray after he was fouled away from the ball by the Rockets' Amen Thompson.

"Just in general, I think it was the most poorly officiated game I've seen in a long time," Udoka said in his postgame press conference. "Two (officials) have no business being out there and the crew chief is acting star struck. So you're seeing all kind of inconsistent calls."

The fine was announced by NBA executive vice president head of basketball operations James Jones.

Monday's game matched two of the top teams in the Western Conference, who are vying to become a threat to the conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets dropped to 16-7 with the loss.

Udoka is in his third season as the Rockets head coach after one season as head coach of the Boston Celtics (2021-22). Boston reached the NBA Finals before losing to the Golden State Warriors in six games.

--Field Level Media

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