Rick Carlisle Fined $25K by NBA for Criticizing Officials After Loss to Rockets

The NBA fined Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle $25,000 Saturday for his comments about the officiating following the team's 130-128 Game 3 loss to the visiting Houston Rockets in the opening round of the playoffs Friday.

Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today passed along the news:

Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News provided the remarks from Carlisle. He expressed his displeasure with the amount of physical play that's going uncalled in the series.    

"They're a more physical team, but this series has got to be played within the rules" Carlisle said.

He also explained what he would hope for in Game 4 as the Mavericks face elimination Sunday.

"That stuff's got to stop," Carlisle said. "The officials [have] got to get that stuff under control, because there's too much physical stuff going on. [Dwight] Howard is throwing people all over the place. And that can't happen in Game 4."

The Mavericks noted the coach's reaction after the fine was announced:

Earl K. Sneed of the team's official site provided more of his response:

Clearly, the veteran head coach wasn't happy with how the officials were calling the games. Whether his comments will lead to a less physical Game 4 remains a question mark.

Dallas needs to win four straight contests if it's going to advance to the second round. The comeback bid starts Sunday, and all eyes will now be on the officiating.