Rockets Coach Ime Udoka Addresses Warriors Fanbase Before Game 3

SAN FRANCISCO – Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka spoke to the media on Saturday before Game 3 of the first-round NBA playoff series against the Golden State Warriors. The series has been marked by physical play and intense rivalry, both on and off the court.

During his pregame press conference at Chase Center, Udoka discussed the interactions he had with local fans while walking near his team’s hotel. “Very pleasant,” he said when NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke asked how the exchanges went. “Honestly, wherever you go, you might have some hostility online and all this. But in person, nobody says anything. You’re not as brave in person,” Udoka added, implying that fans are more vocal online than in real life.

The rivalry intensified during Game 2, where the Rockets’ aggressive playing style led to an injury for Warriors forward Jimmy Butler. Butler had to leave the game after an incident involving Rockets guard Amen Thompson. Some fans have accused Thompson of playing dirty, while Dillon Brooks, Thompson’s teammate, defended him, stating, “Amen’s not a dirty player. He has nothing to do with being a dirty player.”

In reaction to Butler’s injury, Brooks commented that it was a normal part of basketball, and pointed fingers at Warriors player Draymond Green instead. “I think the dirty player is Draymond, giving him a little push as regular basketball players do,” Brooks said.

Udoka acknowledged the tensions and the raucous atmosphere he expects from Warriors fans, especially given Thompson’s San Leandro roots. “Regardless of him being home or whatever, I think that’s what you get as an opponent,” he explained. He emphasized the play was unintentional and noted, “it’s unfortunate what happened.”

Despite the drama, the Rockets managed to tie the series on the court, winning Game 2 with a strong performance from Thompson, who scored 11 points and dished out three assists in the game. As the playoffs continue, both teams are gearing up for a competitive match as they seek to advance.