The NBA has fined Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown $35,000 for his public criticism of the officiating following a loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Brown, who scored 27 points in the 100-95 defeat on January 10, expressed frustration over the lack of free-throw calls for his team. He anticipated the penalty, stating in postgame comments that officials could fine him as they wished.
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown received a $35,000 fine from the NBA on Monday for publicly criticizing the game's officiating after the team's 100-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on January 10 at TD Garden. The four-time All-Star, who has emerged as an MVP candidate this season amid Jayson Tatum's injury, tallied 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists but did not attempt a single free throw. The Celtics as a team shot just four free throws compared to the Spurs' 20, contributing to Brown's ire.
In his postgame rant to reporters, Brown called the officiating inconsistent and specifically named referee Curtis Blair. "Curtis, all them dudes was terrible tonight. I don’t care. They can fine me whatever they want," he said. "I’m driving to the basket. I’m physical. I don’t flop. I don’t shy away from contact. I go up strong. I’m athletic — and nothing. The inconsistency is (expletive) crazy. Give me the fine."
Brown also vented on social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter): "Fine me I’m sick of this shit." He highlighted the disparity, noting, "We shot four free throws tonight and lost the game by four." The Celtics, who average the fewest free throws in the league at 18.9 per game, have been outshot from the line by 4.4 attempts per game, the league's lowest differential.
This marks another instance of Brown voicing displeasure with refereeing, as he believes Boston faces physical play without adequate calls, especially on his drives. Averaging a career-high 29.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5 assists, Brown is in the second year of a five-year, $285.4 million contract. The Celtics, holding a 24-14 record, were set to face the Indiana Pacers on Monday, though Brown was listed as doubtful due to back spasms.
San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama scored 21 points, including 16 in the second half, to fuel the comeback victory.
