Rockets Coach Udoka Criticizes Team After OT Loss to Lakers

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.

Durant's status for Game 4 remains unclear, with Udoka noting progress in recent days but uncertainty due to the short turnaround. The series outcome could impact evaluations of the team's performance, which began the season with championship aspirations.

Udoka's public criticism contrasted with approaches where coaches might shoulder blame to protect players. He described the foul on Smart as terrible and the overall sequence as botched execution.

The Rockets converted consecutive Lakers turnovers into their late lead before the unraveling. Sheppard acknowledged his turnover, explaining a defender came up and he failed to pass to Alperen Sengun over half court. Udoka reiterated that age excuses do not apply, focusing on players' league tenure rather than chronological age.

The loss highlighted persistent fourth-quarter issues that plagued the team during the regular season.