Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka addressed his brief exchange with Stephen Curry following Draymond Green’s controversial ejection during Sunday night’s 106-96 victory over the Golden State Warriors. The win ended the Warriors’ five-game win streak and was a significant one for the Rockets as they push for a strong finish to the regular season.
During the game, Green received a Flagrant 1 foul in the third quarter after making a forceful driving layup into Rockets’ center Alperen Sengun. The contact to Sengun’s neck led to Green’s ejection after accumulating five personal fouls. Following the sequence, cameras caught Udoka talking to Curry as the teams made their way off the court, sparking curiosity among fans.
In a post-game interview, Udoka shared his thoughts on the physicality of the game and what transpired in his conversation with Curry. “I was talking to my team about the physicality. This is the type of game we like. This is who we are,” said Udoka. “He said something, I said something—nothing. A little friendly banter.”
When asked specifically about Green’s actions and how the Rockets handled the situation, Udoka praised Green’s impact on the Warriors. “That’s what he does and I appreciate it,” Udoka explained. “He’s made a hell of a career out of doing what he does—being the heart of that team and bringing the fight when he doesn’t see it out there. No knock on him for whatever. Some coaches might mind it, but I really like him and what he brings to their team.”
The Rockets maintained their focus despite the physical nature of the game, with players like Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green leading the charge. Brooks had a stellar performance, scoring 24 points, while Green added 21 points. The Rockets also benefited from a strong defensive showing, limiting Golden State’s offensive flow. Notably, Curry struggled, scoring only three points on 1-for-10 shooting.
Udoka’s comments on Green’s ejection and his conversation with Curry highlight the competitive nature of the game and the respect between players, even in the heat of battle. “Our guys stayed locked in, stayed focused, and didn’t get baited into it,” Udoka added, acknowledging his team’s composure despite the Warriors’ best efforts to get under their skin.
With the win, the Rockets (52-27) moved closer to solidifying their position in the Western Conference, currently holding second place with just a few games left in the regular season. Meanwhile, the Warriors (46-32) will need to regroup after the loss, with Curry’s uncharacteristic performance being a significant factor in their defeat.
The Rockets’ victory also came at the expense of the Warriors’ five-game win streak, and it was a reminder of how Houston can dominate both ends of the floor when they are fully engaged. As the regular season winds down, both teams will be looking to improve their playoff positioning, with the Rockets looking increasingly dangerous as they prepare for the postseason.
