Raptors coach fined for criticizing refs

NEW YORK–The NBA fined Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey $25,000 for criticizing the officials in his team’s 93-92 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

Casey blasted officials for failing to call a foul when Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan grabbed an offensive rebound then tried to go up for a shot in the closing seconds but was impeded by Atlanta center Al Horford, who appeared to make contact with DeRozan.

“I’m tired of this. I’m tired of losing games because of missed calls at the end of the game,” Casey said. “I know the league is going to come down on me but I don’t care. These guys have fought their hearts out.”

Earlier this month, the NBA league office said its referees blew a late call in a January 16 game that ended with Chicago beating Toronto in overtime, and the league has also admitted officials missed a late foul that cost the Raptors in a November 21 loss to Charlotte.

“It has happened too many times,” Casey said. “I’ve been in this league 18 years and have never seen so many missed calls at the end of the game.”