BOSTON (AP) — Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown got what he expected on Monday when he was fined $35,000 for criticizing officials in postgame comments and saying “they can fine me whatever they want.”
Brown complained to reporters about inconsistent refereeing after the Celtics made four free throws and none of his free throws in a 100-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night.
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“I will accept the fine now,” he said, peppering his two-minute rant with expletives. “I think they’re a good defensive team, but they’re not that good. I wish someone would pull the clip out because it’s the same (expletive) every time we play a good team. Like they refuse to call and then call a foul on the other end.”
The four-time All-Star has emerged as a candidate for NBA MVP after his role expanded this season due to injuries to teammate Jayson Tatum. Brown scored 27 points in 43 minutes on Saturday, but San Antonio phenom Victor Wembanyama scored 16 of his 21 points in the second half to help the Spurs come back and win.
The Spurs took 20 free throws in the game, and Boston committed 13 fouls out of 18 times. The Celtics take the fewest free throws in the league, averaging 18.9 per game; they also have the second-highest three-point shooting percentage in the league, a style that tends to reduce the number of fouls.
“I get to the basket. I’m in good shape. I’m not going to fall down. I’m not going to shy away from contact. I’m going to be tough. I’m athletic — but nothing,” he said. “This inconsistency is (expletive) crazy. Give me a fine.”
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He also named referee Curtis Blair.
“Curtis, all these guys were terrible tonight. I don’t care. They can fine me whatever they want,” he said. “But it’s crazy. Every time we play a good team, it’s the same (expletive). Someone please get the video out. I’m mad at the way they officiated the game today.
“It’s hard to win a game like this if we can’t get to the free throw line and teams allow physical contact to knock us out of our positions. We made four free throws tonight and lost the game by four points.”
This is a development story. Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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