David Adelman’s Denver Nuggets and Ime Udoka’s Houston Rockets have met twice in the last seven days and in both instances, one of them got fined for complaining to the referees. First it was Udoka for saying the officials were getting starstruck. This time, it is his Nuggets counterpart.
Udoka received a $25k fine from the league for calling the loss to Nuggets the worst officiating he’s seen in his life. Last 2 Minute report then claimed there were indeed missed calls.
Adelman gets a larger punishment as he has to pay $35k after getting ejected during Saturday rematch with the Rockets. His team was the one on the losing end this time.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/3us870DZbH
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 21, 2025
He was thrown out early in the fourth quarter while arguing a non-call. Assistant Jared Dudley replaced him.
David Adelman is going off and gets ejected 👀 pic.twitter.com/2ftIeSc3rh
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) December 20, 2025
David Adelman says his issue was the same as last week
There has been more intense reaction to the officiating lately. Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch complained about early in their win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He got ejected for berating the officials.
Los Angeles Lakers’ JJ Redick aired out some issues about the way games are called, too, when his team lost to the Los Angeles Clippers.
These complaints came after Udoka’s issue last week which according to Adelman is similar to what he was referring to during his moment with the referees on Saturday.
“It felt like a reaction to the game earlier in the week. That’s what it felt like to me,” Adelman said about his ejection.
“I was just confused. I was looking for answers. I went out there to find them, and it turned out I had to leave.”
Looks like the league will have to address these coaches’ statements sooner or later.
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
