Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan did not like what he saw out of the referees in Game 1 of his team's playoff series with the Dallas Mavericks. He voiced his concerns after the game and now he'll have to cough up $35,000. The NBA fined McMillan Monday for his public comments on the officiating.
Blazers Coach Nate McMillan Fined $35,000 For Referee Comments
McMillan’s major issue was why there was such a large free throw disparity in Dallas’ favor. The Mavericks shot 29 free throws, compared to 13 for the Trail Blazers. Dallas also had a 19-2 edge in free throws during the fourth quarter. That was the difference in the Mavericks’ 89-81 win.
“The free throws, I just don’t get that. It’s hard for our guys to know how to play out there when it’s called a little different; 19 to two in the fourth quarter. And I felt like we were attacking, and guys really didn’t know how to play with the fouls that were being called. A lot of touch fouls. I thought that took the momentum away and pretty much gave them control in the game.”
Despite the inevitability of the fine being handed down, McMillian said Tuesday that he was surprised.
“Yeah, I am surprised because I didn’t feel I directed it at the officials,’’ McMillan said. “But you have to move on and that’s what I want the players to do. I felt it had an effect on our guys and what we have to do is play through it. It’s going to happen, and the emotions, we have to play through that. So just as I tell the players they have to move on, I have to move on past it.’’
For more on McMillan and the Blazers as they prepare for Game 2 against the Mavericks, visit BlazersEdge.
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