Published: 10:25, March 8, 2025
Kings' DeMar DeRozan fined $25,000 by NBA
By Reuters
Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) and Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr (1) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, March 5, 2025, in Denver. (PHOTO / AP)

Sacramento Kings swingman DeMar DeRozan was handed down a $25,000 fine by the NBA for criticizing officials, the league announced Friday.

DeRozan, 35, called out the officiating following his team's 116-110 road loss to the Denver Nuggets Wednesday night.

After building a nine-point lead, the Kings got outscored 32-17 in the fourth quarter as the Nuggets gained nine more attempts from the free throw line (13-4).

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"The refs were terrible," he told the Sacramento Bee. "Terrible as s--. Simple as that."

The Kings are in the middle of a playoff chase and currently sit in the play-in game as the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference at 32-29.

DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, is scoring 22.2 points per game and is shooting a career-best 36.1 percent from 3-point range in his first season in Sacramento.

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He averages 21.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game over his 16-year NBA career.