Nets coach Jason Kidd fined $25,000 for criticizing refs

Nets coach Jason Kidd blasted the refs after his team's Game 5 playoff loss to Toronto. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The NBA has fined Brooklyn Nets head coach Jason Kidd $25,000 for public criticism of officiating, the league announced Friday.

Kidd made his comments during a conference call with the media yesterday. Kidd felt his team -- and guard Joe Johnson in particular -- should have received more calls following the Nets' 115-113 Game 5 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Toronto leads the best-of-seven series three games to two heading into Game 6 Friday night.

“[It’s] kind of mind-boggling when someone shoots 23 times and only ends up with one free throw,” Kidd said.

"Yeah. If flopping is the way to go, then maybe we have to play that game,” he said. “But Joe is a strong individual, and unfortunately he doesn’t flop. He plays and he doesn’t complain, but that’s why we have officials, for them to make calls."

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Kidd was upset at official Tom Washington when Nets guard Shaun Livingston was knocked out of bounds by Toronto guard DeMar DeRozan near the end of the game. 

“I thought Shaun made a heck of a play to come up with the rebound and get fouled right in front of Tom Washington, but no call was made,” Kidd said. “So, with that being said, [Blatche] came up with the ball and his intention was to get the ball to Deron [Williams], and it just didn’t work out.”