Grizzlies' Zach Randolph fined $25,000 for criticizing officials

Grizzlies' Zach Randolph is averaging 16.8 points and 10.8 rebounds. (Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

The NBA fined Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph $25,000 for public criticism of officiating, the league announced Friday.

Randolph made his comments following the Grizzlies' 100-92 loss to the Houston Rockets on Thursday.

“It’s obvious, it was the refs tonight,” Randolph said, when asked for the game’s turning point. “Eight against five. The game — in the second half — the man was shooting free throws every time. We’re out there playing hard. They’re dictating the game. It can’t be like that, man. We’re out here playing too.”

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The Rockets attempted 40 free throws in the game, including 25 by Rockets guard James Harden. The Grizzlies only attempted 20 from the charity stripe.

“It was horrible refereeing — a horrible game they reffed tonight,” Randolph continued. “Awful. They dictated the game. Plain, point simple. They dictated the game. We’re out here working as hard as them. Come on, man.”