The Boston Celtics have found themselves in a bit of a cold stretch, as they suffered a pair of tough losses to the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs last week. After losing to the Spurs, superstar forward Jaylen Brown made some comments that have drawn the ire of the NBA.
Throughout his rise into an MVP candidate this season, Brown has been vocal on several occasions regarding his displeasure with how the Celtics’ games are being officiated. Brown believes that Boston is not getting as friendly a whistle from the refs as it should be, particularly when it comes to him and his drives to the paint.
After losing to the Spurs, Brown aired out the officials when speaking to reporters, inviting the league to fine him for complaining about the lack of calls he and the C’s received during this game. Sure enough, the league came looking for Brown, as he picked up a $35,000 fine for his comments.
“Jaylen Brown has been fined $35,000 for his public criticism of the officials after the Celtics’ game on Jan. 10 against the Spurs,” Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints wrote in a post on X.
Sometimes, in order to get referees’ attention, you have to call them out publicly. While Brown is averaging a career-high 7.2 free throw attempts per game, he is absorbing a lot of contact on his drives to the basket that often aren’t getting called.
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Boston will have a shot to get back on track on Monday night against the Indiana Pacers, although they will likely have to win without Brown, who is doubtful for this game due to low back spasms. Tip-off for this game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Featured image via Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images
