NBA fans can gripe about officiating, but if you’re a player in the league, you should keep it to yourself unless you want to cut a check.
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USA Today reported Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan has been fined $15,000 (USD) for saying, "It’s frustrating being out there feeling you playing 5-on-8," after Toronto lost to the Warriors on Sunday (AEDT).
The play that sparked DeRozan's remark happened in the closing seconds with Toronto trailing 125-122. The referees ruled the ball out-of-bounds on Stephen Curry with one second remaining to give the home Raptors one more shot to tie the game.
However, after reviewing the play, officials said DeRozan touched the ball while laying out-of-bounds with three seconds remaining.
NBA senior vice president of replay and referee operations Joe Borgia later clarified the call.
"Instant replay review was used because the officials were unsure who should be awarded possession after the ball went out of bounds," Borgia said ( via USA Today ). "During replay, we checked the loose ball sequence at the sideline and we determined that Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan caused the ball to go out of bounds with three seconds remaining.”
Golden State held on for a 127-125 win, and Toronto was left to bash the officials after the game.
"It’s just mind-boggling that you ask the official, 'Did you see it?' 'Nah, I didn’t see it, wasn’t my call.’ I’ve got to have an explanation,” Raptors coach Dwayne Casey said. “It blows my mind, and I think we have the best officials in the world."