The Sacramento Kings are making quite a contribution to the NBA’s fine coffers this season.
Kings guard Aaron Brooks was fined $25,000 by the league on Monday for throwing his mouthpiece into the stands after Friday’s loss at Utah.
The fine was announced by NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson, who is not making many friends among the Kings.
Already this season, Jackson has suspended Kings forwards DeMarcus Cousins and Thomas Robinson two games each for separate incidents. Cousins accosted San Antonio Spurs announcer Sean Elliott after a game and Robinson elbowed Detroit Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko in the throat.
In addition, Cousins has been called for five technical fouls, which ties him with New York’s Carmelo Anthony for the league lead. Jason Thompson has three techs and Brooks, James Johnson and coach Keith Smart have one apiece.
Brooks had reason to be upset after Sacramento’s 104-102 loss at Utah on Friday. The Kings had a 97-85 lead with less than six minutes to go but shot 1-of-9 with three turnovers the rest of the way.
Brooks had one of the turnovers, losing possession with the score tied and 14 seconds to go. That set up Gordon Hayward’s game-winning jumper.