Rockets fans turn on Ime Udoka after heart-breaking loss to Blazers

The Houston Rockets are fading fast. Despite having three days in between games, the Rockets failed to execute against the 13-31 Portland Trail Blazers, as they fell 137-131 in overtime.

The Rockets came out flat at the start of the second half, paving the way for the Blazers to score 41 points in the third quarter. In spite of that, the Rockets held a three point lead with 1.6 seconds remaining in regulation. 

Rockets coach Ime Udoka subbed Boban Marjanovich into the game, to use his height to guard the inbounds pass. It didn't matter, as Jerami Grant hoisted a triple and drilled it off the glass.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka drew a ton of criticism on social media after the game.

The Rockets' decision not to foul was a big mistake.

Rockets fans didn't hold back after Wednesday's loss.

Udoka explained the rationale after the game.

"It's tough to foul at that point. 1.6 or 1.9, whatever it was. You can be there on the catch and if he's going away from the basket, it's risky. He's going to go into his shooting motion.

So, it's something we discussed."

Udoka was outcoached by Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and his refusal to switch his defensive coverages had fans calling him out after the game.

Udoka made a head-scratching decision to sparingly play rookie Amen Thompson in the second half, despite seeing the rookie go 3-for-3 in the first half with six points in 10 minutes. In spite of this, Thompson only played four minutes in the second half.

Thompson's defense would've been a tremendous boost, as the Rockets were unable to stop the Blazers from scoring at ease. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, who are two of the best defenders at their respective positions, were also giving up easy buckets, which led to even more criticism in Udoka's direction.

Although Rockets fans on X (formerly Twitter) can oftentimes be overreactive, some of the tweets were pure comedy gold.

Hopefully the Rockets will be better on Friday against the Charlotte Hornets. Otherwise, it could get really dark.