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NBA fines Smart and Kennard for ripping refs after loss
The NBA fined Los Angeles Lakers guards Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard on Monday for criticizing officiating after Game 4. Smart received $35,000 for questioning official integrity; Kennard was fined $25,000 for directing inappropriate language at referees.
Houston's 115-96 victory at Toyota Center on Sunday sparked the controversy, pulling the Rockets within 3-1 in the Western Conference first-round series. Disputed officiating decisions and physical gameplay overshadowed the contest.
Lakers center Deandre Ayton and rookie Adou Thiero were ejected during the contest, drawing immediate criticism. Coach JJ Redick maintained that Ayton's contact with Alperen Sengun was accidental: "It looked like he was trying to brace himself, and his arm just slipped."
Luka Doncic stated he will pay any fines handed to Thiero, showing support for his teammate. Officiating consistency now faces heavy scrutiny heading into Game 5 at Crypto Arena.
The Lakers hold a 3-1 series lead and seek to close out the Rockets on Wednesday at Crypto Arena. The NBA is expected to review the Flagrant 2 foul, though a downgrade to Flagrant 1 is considered more likely than further discipline.