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Ime Udoka addressed Houston’s Game 1 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, focusing heavily on execution and efficiency after a 107-98 loss at Crypto.com Arena. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field despite generating 21 offensive rebounds and multiple transition chances.
“We won a lot of areas and just shot it poorly, honestly,” Udoka said. “When you shoot at thirty-seven and a half and thirty-three from three and on the other end they shoot sixty-one percent and fifty-two and a half from three, it’s going to be tough to beat.”
Udoka pointed to volume advantages that did not translate into points. “We had twenty-seven more shots than them,” he said. “We dominated the glass. Twenty-one offensive rebounds, twenty-three second chance points to six. Won the fast break eleven to four.”
Despite those numbers, he stressed missed opportunities in key moments. “We had some decent looks from three and didn’t shoot that well,” Udoka said. “Some put backs off the offensive rebound… just got to convert those.”
Defensively, Houston adjusted late but struggled early against Luke Kennard’s shooting burst. “We mixed it a little bit there late,” Udoka said. “He was way too comfortable early. Had that eleven point first quarter, kind of got them going.”
Udoka also highlighted Kennard’s efficiency and defensive attention on LeBron James. “Nine for thirteen, five, five, and three, way too comfortable,” he said, referencing the Lakers guard’s shooting impact in the flow of the game.
The Rockets coach was direct when evaluating Alperen Sengun’s performance, briefly correcting the question before assessing the center’s night. “I mean he wasn’t at his best I think,” Udoka said.
He expanded the criticism across Houston’s core rotation. “Reed six for twenty, Alpi six for nineteen, Jabari five for fourteen and Amen seven for eighteen,” Udoka said. “That shows why we shot thirty-seven percent.”
Udoka also addressed Kevin Durant’s late scratch and its impact on offensive structure. “Efficiency and consistent scoring,” he said. “On a nightly basis he shoots that at a good high clip… kind of calms you down.”
Houston’s shot selection and rhythm remained a concern. “We got a little stagnant at times hunting our own shots,” Udoka said. “Some decent looks but we shot in the crowd instead of finding guys.”
He emphasized decision-making out of the post, particularly with Sengun. “We need to be a little more patient with that,” Udoka said. “Invite the doubles… we should get decent shots out of it as long as we don’t turn it over.”
Looking ahead to Game 2, Udoka focused on response rather than excuses. “We got to flush that part of it and bounce back on Tuesday,” he said. “Opportunities missed… but we got to move on.”
