Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka reflected on his team’s 125-124 overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings, pointing to execution and mental approach as major factors.
“It wasn’t just the fourth quarter, it was the entire game. Our approach wasn’t right,” Udoka said, referencing the Rockets’ 19 offensive rebounds, multiple unforced turnovers, and missed assignments.
Udoka identified the final play that allowed Dennis Schroder’s game-winning three-pointer as a defensive misstep. “We put a small lineup in to guard one-on-one knowing DeRozan was going to get isolation… Schroder was left open in the corner,” he explained, emphasizing the lapse in coverage.
The Rockets struggled with consistency throughout, leading to Sacramento’s comeback. “Being down 8, 10, whatever, when it should be a 15 to 20 point game, it’s on us. I got to do a better job of getting them motivated in games against lesser opponents,” Udoka said.
Regarding Sacramento’s late-period execution, Udoka credited the Kings’ aggressiveness. “They’re being aggressive, trying to get to DeMar spots in the post up. Shorter was out of position, got rejected on pick-and-rolls, and our help wasn’t there over and over,” he said.
Udoka also addressed broader concerns about Houston’s late-game struggles, noting this was the team’s third overtime loss this week. “Way before overtime, it’s that whatever allows us to even get to overtime… messing around with the game the first three quarters puts us in that position,” he explained.
The Rockets were undone despite strong individual performances from Alperen Sengun (28 points, six rebounds) and Kevin Durant (24 points, 10 rebounds). Jabari Smith Jr. added 18 points but saw his streak of four consecutive double-doubles end.
Sacramento’s bench, led by Schroder’s 24 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, fueled the Kings’ rally after trailing by five in the final two minutes of regulation. DeMar DeRozan added 27 points and nine assists, while Russell Westbrook contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds.
Sacramento improved to 7-22 with the victory, ending a five-game skid, while Houston fell to 17-9. The Rockets face the Clippers in Los Angeles on Tuesday, and the Kings will host the Detroit Pistons the same night.
