Rockets Coach Udoka Blasts Team, Refs After Loss to Bulls

Houston drops to sixth in the West after frustrating defeat despite big performances from Sengun and Durant.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 5:50am

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Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was highly critical of his team's effort and focus following a 132-124 loss to the Chicago Bulls, calling out the Rockets' 'non-aggressive' start and 'disrespect for the game.' Udoka was also ejected late in the game for confronting officials over what he called 'soft' calls. The loss dropped the Rockets to 43-28 on the season, just a half-game ahead of the Timberwolves and Nuggets in the tight Western Conference playoff race.

Why it matters

With the playoffs approaching, the Rockets can ill afford these types of inconsistent performances that waste strong individual efforts. Udoka's public criticism suggests growing frustration over the team's inability to sustain focus and intensity, which could become a major issue if it continues down the stretch.

The details

Despite 33 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists from Alperen Sengun, and 40 points from Kevin Durant, the Rockets fell behind early and spent the night chasing the game after Chicago erupted for 41 first-quarter points. Houston briefly took the lead late but couldn't hold on. Udoka blasted his team's 'non-aggressive' start and 'disrespect for the game,' saying 'you come out like that, you're going to be inconsistent.' He was later ejected for confronting officials over what he called 'soft' calls, including a late offensive foul on Durant.

  • The Rockets dropped to 43-28 on the season with the loss.
  • Houston is just a half-game ahead of the Timberwolves and Nuggets in the Western Conference standings.

The players

Ime Udoka

The head coach of the Houston Rockets, who strongly criticized his team's effort and focus after the loss to the Bulls.

Alperen Sengun

The Rockets' center who delivered a dominant 33-point triple-double in the losing effort.

Kevin Durant

The Rockets' star forward who scored 40 points in the game but was called for a late offensive foul that effectively sealed the loss.

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What they’re saying

“Poor start, disrespected the game, not prepared from the get-go. Just non-aggressive... watching them shoot.”

— Ime Udoka, Head Coach

“It's the NBA. You come out like that, you're going to be inconsistent... stop bullsh-ting.”

— Ime Udoka, Head Coach

“Flagrant was soft as hell... the techs were soft too. I'm not about to complain about a soft crew. It is what it is.”

— Ime Udoka, Head Coach

What’s next

The Rockets head to Minnesota for the second of four straight road games, with playoff seeding hanging in the balance. Udoka's message to his team will be tested as they look to bounce back against a fellow Western Conference playoff contender.

The takeaway

Udoka's strong criticism of his team's effort and focus highlights the Rockets' inconsistency at a critical point in the season. If they cannot address these lapses, it could cost them in the tight Western Conference playoff race and make them vulnerable against top contenders in the postseason.