world
Rockets Coach Udoka Criticizes Team After OT Loss to Lakers
Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka sharply criticized his team's performance following a late-game collapse in their 112-108 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of the first-round playoff series. The defeat left the Rockets in a 3-0 series deficit despite leading by six points with under 30 seconds remaining in regulation.
Apr 25, 9:57 AM·2m read2 sources
New York PostAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The collapse began when Jabari Smith Jr. attempted a pass that was intercepted by Marcus Smart with 25 seconds remaining, while the Rockets led 101-95. A player then fouled Smart on a 3-point attempt, leading to three made free throws that cut the deficit to 101-98.
On the next possession, Reed Sheppard was pick-pocketed, setting up a game-tying 3-pointer by LeBron James with 13.6 seconds left. Udoka noted that the team failed to execute the drawn-up play on their final possession of regulation. Alperen Sengun's shot attempt missed, and LeBron James's buzzer-beater 3-pointer rimmed out, sending the game to overtime.
In overtime, the Lakers scored first and maintained the lead to secure the victory.
“Grow up, and you’re not that young anymore." — Ime Udoka, postgame comments (New York Post). Sengun led the Rockets with 33 points and 16 rebounds. He described his own turnover as stupid, saying he should have made a simple play to a teammate instead of trying to split defenders. Udoka highlighted the team's ongoing weakness in closing out games, calling the mistakes egregious and unacceptable.”
This marks the Rockets' second consecutive playoff appearance, following their return last season after missing since 2020. They were eliminated in the first round last year by the Golden State Warriors in seven games. Udoka emphasized drawing from previous experiences, pointing out players with three to five years in the league.
After the loss, Udoka made the team watch the final 30 seconds of regulation to learn from the errors. He instructed them to focus on Game 4, set for Sunday in Houston, and not let the defeat affect them twice. Sengun expressed determination, stating nobody is giving up.
