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The NBA imposed significant fines on the Houston Rockets following a heated game against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, where head coach Ime Udoka and two players were penalized for their actions during and after the loss. The fines stemmed from multiple incidents that occurred during the game, which the Rockets lost 120-111.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the Rockets trailing by 12 points, Udoka was ejected after confronting an official over a controversial play involving center Alperen Sengun. Following his ejection, Udoka continued arguing with the referee, even chasing him down the court before being restrained by other members of the coaching staff. Sengun was also ejected for his role in the incident.
After the game, Udoka voiced his frustration with the officiating, criticizing what he saw as "blatant missed calls" while "ticky tack" fouls were being called. In his postgame comments, he didn’t hold back, particularly when discussing the officiating crew:
"Sengun got fouled a few times on that drive, and on the layup, and they don’t want to call it. I told him, 'Get some (expletive) glasses. Open your eyes.' Take your sensitivity and emotions out of it and call the game the right way," Udoka said. "It’s obvious right in front of you, and John Goble − or whoever it was − sees it, doesn’t call it, and I let him know about it."
Eason's Near Altercation with Fan
In addition to Udoka’s fiery outburst, forward Tari Eason was involved in an incident after the game. While heading back to the locker room, Eason reportedly heard a heckler in the crowd and reacted by throwing a towel and shouting obscenities. He then attempted to confront the fan but was stopped by security before any physical altercation occurred.
NBA Fines for Rockets
As a result of the actions during the game, the NBA handed out the following fines:
Ime Udoka: $50,000 for "confronting and directing profane language toward a game official, failing to leave the court in a timely manner after being ejected," and his subsequent criticism of the officiating in the press conference.
Alperen Sengun: $15,000 for directing inappropriate language toward an official.
Tari Eason: $35,000 for "throwing a towel and directing inappropriate language in the direction of fans in the spectator stands."
These fines reflect the league's efforts to maintain discipline and uphold proper conduct both on and off the court.
