Jason Kidd fined $25,000 by NBA for criticizing referees

NEW YORK — Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Kidd has been fined $25,000 for public criticism of officiating, it was announced today by Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President Basketball Operations.

Kidd was fined for comments made to the media after the Mavericks 95-91 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 5. The Thunder trailed by a point with 46 seconds remaining Tuesday night when Dallas center Ian Mahinmi appeared to cleanly block Serge Ibaka’s shot, but the whistle was blown for a foul, much to the dismay of Mahinmi and Rick Carlisle.

Ibaka made both free throw attempts and the Thunder went on to a 95-91 victory. Five of Oklahoma City’s final eight points came at the free-throw line, and the Thunder outscored Dallas 14-2 from the line in the fourth quarter.

“We don’t get the benefit of the whistle,” Kidd said. “I don’t think we’re looked upon as champions, but that’s a whole other story. Dirk (Nowitzki) should live at the line if they would call it the way it’s supposed to be. But, he doesn’t.”

Somewhat surprisingly, the league id not fine Carlisle, who described the Mahinmi foul call as “brutal.”

“I’m in disbelief that there was a foul call on Mahinmi,” Carlisle said. “I just watched the play five times; I mean it’s a block. It’s an enormous play. And then Nowitzki gets hit on the arm at the other end and there’s no call. So, I’m at a loss. I apologize for that.”

Oklahoma shot 33 free throws to the Mavericks’ 10.

“Thirty-three to 10? Thirty-three free throws to 10, can I explain that?” Carlisle said. “They get to the free throw line a lot, but I don’t want to be accusatory to the officials. But, I thought our guys were aggressive enough to deserve a few more chances.”

After Mahinmi was whistled, Kidd pleaded with referee Pat Fraher.

“He didn’t foul him. It was a bad call. Clean block,” Kidd said. “I just said (to Fraher) it wasn’t a foul. He blocked the ball and after the play he said he bumped him with his body. I don’t think so. It was a bad night for the officials. It happens.”