Rockets HC Ime Udoka Emphasizes Growth Despite Not Reaching Postseason Goal

The Matt Thomas Show

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka joins The Matt Thomas Show following the disappointing 121-124 loss to the Utah Jazz on Thursday. In his postgame comments, Udoka did not shy away from expressing his disapproval of the on-court effort, saying "it's who I am" because "guys will see through the fake or the phony." "You may not like it at times, but you have to respect it" and "guys respond to it well." With only two games left in the season, Udoka says it's important that the Rockets were able to play "meaningful basketball" late in the season, "accomplishing something that they haven't in a while" despite not achieving the "goal which was making the playoffs." After Alperen Şengün went down with injury, rookie Amen Thompson joined the starting lineup, and Udoka says Thompson was able to figure out "a whole new way to play basketball," going from running the point most of his career to working off-ball and defending one-through-five on the court.