Rockets Head coach I am Udoka was unhappy with the referee in his team's 120-111 loss in Sacramento on Tuesday night and was ejected – along with the center Alperen Sengun – as he walked onto the field and confronted referee John Goble with less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter (Twitter video Left).
As Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle (Subscription required) writes that even after speaking his mind on the pitch, Udoka Goble had a lot to say about how the game was officiated during his post-match media session.
“Missed calls, blatant missed calls right before your eyes” Udoka said when asked why he was upset. “You're bringing up busy, moving screens and stuff like that, and then you don't want to bring up the obvious ones right in front of you. That was it. Alpi was fouled a few times on that drive and on the layup, and they won't say that. Get some damn glasses or open your eyes.”
When asked if his outburst was about making sure his players knew he had their backs and that he was ready to stand up for them, Udoka admitted that was not on his mind.
“That wasn’t the point, to be honest.” he said. “Alpi got a (technical foul). But take out your sensitivity and emotions and decide the game is right. It's obvious, right in front of you. John Goble or whoever it was sees it and doesn't name it. I will inform him about it. …You missed calls, moving screens, and every little touch call all night long. State the obvious.”
While Udoka will almost certainly be fined by the NBA for his in-game actions and/or his post-game comments, he isn't the only Rocket who may face disciplinary action from the league. Accordingly Sam Amick of The Athleticas a Houston forward Tari Eason As he was leaving the field at the end of the game, he was heckled by a Sacramento fan and responded by throwing his towel and shouting obscenities at the fan.
According to Amick, Eason attempted to enter the stands to confront the fan but was held back by security officers. He finally gave in and went into the visitors' locker room.
The Rockets, who had won three straight games and 10 of their last 12 games entering Tuesday, now have a 15-7 record and are No. 2 in the West, a game and a half behind the top-seeded Thunder.
