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Alperen Sengun & Ime Udoka EJECTED, NBA Refs CALLED OUT After Houston Rockets Loss To Kings
Houston Rockets Controversial Loss to Sacramento Kings: A Night of Drama and Discontent
The Houston Rockets faced a tumultuous night against the Sacramento Kings, marked by a controversial loss that left fans, players and coaches alike questioning the integrity of the officiating. The game ended with a 120-111 defeat, but the scoreline only tells part of the story. The Rockets were not only outplayed by the Kings but also felt the sting of what many perceived as biased officiating.
Ime Udoka’s Bold Stand
Head coach Ime Udoka didn’t hold back in his postgame comments, directly calling out the referees for their questionable calls. Udoka’s frustration was palpable as he highlighted missed calls and inconsistent officiating that seemed to favor the Kings. His decision to name-drop referee John Goble underscored the intensity of his dissatisfaction. Udoka’s ejection, along with Alperen Sengun’s, sent a strong message to the NBA about the need for fair officiating. The Rockets coach was clear in his demand for officials to remove their emotions from the game and call it as they see it.
A Game of Missed Opportunities and Frustrations
The Rockets performance was marred by a series of unfortunate events, including a sequence where Jalen Green’s three-pointer was nullified due to a scuffle involving multiple players. The incident resulted in technical fouls for Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith Jr., while De’Aaron Fox escaped unscathed despite his involvement. This moment was emblematic of the night’s officiating woes, which seemed to disproportionately affect the Rockets.
Sengun found himself repeatedly whistled for moving screens, while similar actions by Domantas Sabonis went unnoticed. The inconsistency in calls was a recurring theme, with the Rockets feeling the brunt of it. The Kings challenge on an out-of-bounds play involving Amen Thompson was another point of contention, as video evidence suggested a different outcome than what was ruled.
Despite these challenges, the Rockets had their share of basketball-related issues. They struggled to maintain their defensive intensity, allowing the Kings to go on a historic shooting run that turned the tide of the game, hitting 15 straight shots between the end of the second quarter and start of the third. The Rockets inability to capitalize on their offensive rebounds and their struggles with turnovers further compounded their problems.
The night was a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining composure and focus, even in the face of adversity. The Rockets identity as a hard-nosed, defensive team was tested, and they fell short of their usual standards. However, the game also highlighted the need for fair and consistent officiating, a sentiment echoed by fans, players and coaches.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Houston Rockets controversial loss and the implications of the officiating, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Tari Eason’s postgame altercation with a fan
- Analysis of the Rockets offensive struggles
- The impact of the NBA Cup results on the Rockets season
- A look at individual performances, including Jalen Green’s standout game
Dec 1, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) attempts to secure the ball away from Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina/Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The first thing I saw when I woke up this morning was a clip of Rockets coach, Ime Udoka, stalking toward referee John Goble and subsequently getting himself ejected. Udoka was incensed over the refs not calling a foul on behalf of Alperen Senguin, who drove to the basket through multiple instances of contact (and shoving) from Kings big, Domantas Sabonis.
The next thing I saw was a report that Rockets forward Tari Eason had run up into the stands after the game’s final whistle to confront a fan who heckled him as he was exiting through the tunnel.
As my brain stirred with the smell of coffee and I read about martial law unfolding and quickly thwarted by protestors and the political opposition in South Korea, I toggled my basketball opinion from This seems serious to It’s really not, regarding all the emotions spilling out on-court last night. This is what, by design, the In-Season Tournament was made for.
This part of the NBA season typically saw a taper of audience attention. The piqued interest of the season getting underway wanes, partially due to the predominantly American audience choosing NFL football over mid-week basketball. The NBA’s Christmas Day slate of games sees a viewership spike but otherwise the “stakes” don’t feel compelling to the casual fan until All-Star, and then again as the playoffs approach. Team owners and the Board of Governors panicked and thus: The NBA Cup was introduced.
Domineering corporate interest aside, the happy side effect of the In-Season Tournament has been higher stakes across the board, and not just from prize incentivization for players (though Josh Hart admitting he just wants a watch is also pretty funny). Young teams, teams on the competitive verge, and teams that may have been considered write-offs to start the season have for the most part used their NBA Cup nights as test runways for playing on a bigger stage and at a higher level. It didn’t necessarily work out for all of them (I had high hopes for the Spurs), but a glance at the Cup’s quarter finals bracket reveals a varied and interesting field of teams.
It’s both preposterous and cool that Warriors vs. Rockets is now a potential Western Conference playoff preview, and that the same goes in the East with Bucks vs. Magic. The Hawks and Knicks will be reunited in their rivalry, and the budding friction between the Mavs and Thunder, through the pestering of Luka Doncic by players who’ve all taken a page from his offensive book, is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
Friction, in good competition, is inevitable. It’s also partially the point. Certainly, coaches shouldn’t make a habit of hounding refs around the court but friction and competition, and friction in competition, don’t need to be negatives.
Two great examples of the symbiotic relationship between the two came in last night’s slate of knockout games. First, with the always expressive Draymond Green unable to hide his disdain from the sidelines as Nikola Jokic grabbed his face after coming down from collision under the rim with 14 seconds left in the game. Green was less actually distraught than sporting a classic “I’m not mad, just disappointed” look.
The second came in the chippy, high-intensity Rockets-Thunder match-up, with Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting tangled up with each other when they both clamped down on the same loose ball. Neither let it go and they both went careening into the Rockets bench, with their teammates swirling behind. It eventually broke up in laughter because neither of them could keep a straight face, having as close a relationship as they do as teammates for Canada Basketball. When the refs swooped in en masse, Brooks and Gilgeous-Alexander assured them they were cool, everything was fine, and the game continued.
These are games that have gone from weeknight skips, better to relive watching through their highlights the next day, to must-see matches. The stakes range from funny to secondarily furious, tense to over-the-top; are stakes that still only exist in the insular world of NBA basketball, but there are stakes. It’s early December, and we have stakes.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Must Read The Houston Rockets have five holiday wishlist items, including hopes for Jalen Green to make an All-Star appearance and a successful trade for Steven Adams. (The Dream Shake)
Analysis As the Rockets contend, they’re also focusing on Reed Sheppard’s development. His progress could be pivotal for the team’s future. (Sports Illustrated)
Rumor Western Conference sellers might tempt the Rockets in the trade market. Potential trade targets could include veteran players to strengthen their roster. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Tari Eason and Amen Thompson’s defensive abilities are unmatched. (Defector)
News LeBron James is in one of the worst outside shooting slumps of his career. Is playing in all 82 games still doable? (ESPN)
Milestone The 4x NBA All-Star and 16 NBA season vet, Paul Millsap, announces retirement. (ESPN)
Ticket Booth
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Rockets @ Warriors
Thursday, Dec. 05 | 7:00 PM | Chase Center (San Francisco, CA) | Get Tickets
Rockets @ Clippers
Sunday, Dec. 08 | 6:00 PM | Intuit Dome (Inglewood, CA) | Get Tickets
TBD @ Rockets (NBA Cup: Contigent game)
Saturday, Dec. 30 | 12:00 AM | Toyota Center (Houston, TX) | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Fantasy Basketball: Key Takeaways from Tuesday’s Games
Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) falls to the ground after rolling his ankle against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kevin Durant’s Ankle Injury: What It Means for Fantasy Managers
Kevin Durant’s recent ankle injury is a significant concern for fantasy basketball managers. Durant, who has been a cornerstone for many fantasy teams, left the game after just 16 minutes, scoring 13 points with four rebounds. This re-aggravation of a previous injury could mean time on the sidelines, impacting his availability in the coming weeks. Fantasy managers should consider potential replacements or temporary fill-ins, such as Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neal, who might see increased roles in Durant’s absence. However, neither is a must-add in standard leagues, but they could provide short-term value in deeper formats.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets: Player Performances
In the clash between the 76ers and Hornets, Paul George’s resurgence was a highlight. Despite playing 37 minutes, George’s performance—29 points, eight rebounds, and six three-pointers—showed signs of his former All-NBA self. However, with a back-to-back game on the horizon, his availability remains uncertain, making it crucial for fantasy managers to monitor his status closely.
Tyrese Maxey’s shooting struggles continued, but his ability to contribute in other areas, such as free throws and defense, keeps him relevant in fantasy lineups. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered a solid outing with 14 points and four three-pointers, making him a viable short-term option.
Charlotte Hornets’ Frontcourt Dynamics
The return of Mark Williams was a notable development, albeit with limited minutes. This situation presents a sell-high opportunity for Nick Richards, who posted an impressive 22 points and 14 rebounds. While there’s a chance Richards could outperform Williams, the Hornets’ long-term plans likely favour Williams, making Richards a potential trade candidate for savvy fantasy managers.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Rockets podcasts.
Alperen Sengun Named Western Conference Player Of The Week + Houston Rockets Quarter Season Check-In Rockets center Alperen Sengun being named Western Conference Player of the Week, how the Rockets are gaining more national media spotlight and what that means for the organization, and where the Rockets stack up statistically through the quarter mark of this NBA season.
Fred VanVleet Drops 38 & Dillon Brooks Hits DAGGER In Houston Rockets STATEMENT Win Vs OKC Thunder Discussing the Rockets statement win against the Thunder, Dillon Brooks’ clutch game-winning shot, Fred VanVleet’s offensive explosion, Alperen Sengun flirting with a triple-double, shutting down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the fourth quarter and more.
Jalen Green Scores 41 & Alperen Sengun THE CLOSER In Houston Rockets Overtime Win Vs 76ers Dive into the Rockets gritty overtime win against the 76ers as Jalen Green shines with a season-high 41 points and Coach Ime Udoka shows his trust in Alperen Sengun during crunch time, emerging as the closer, scoring 11 of his 22 points in overtime and delivering key defensive plays.
