Cavaliers' coach Scott fined $25K for criticizing referees

Cavaliers coach Byron Scott has been fined for criticizing the officials. (Elsa/Getty Images) ByBen Golliver The NBA announced Sunday that Cavaliers coach

Cavaliers coach Byron Scott has been fined for criticizing the officials. (Elsa/Getty Images)

ByBen Golliver

The NBA announced Sunday that Cavaliers coach Byron Scott has been fined $25,000 for criticizing the officiating following a 91-73 loss to the Timberwolves at the Target Center on Friday. At least he had a good idea that it was coming.

The Associated Press reported Scott's complaints, which centered around a 35-9 disparity in free throws favoring Minnesota, in its official game recap.

"I'm trying to figure out a way to say this without getting fined," coach Byron Scott said of the officiating. "It was that bad. It really was. It was that bad. I mean I understand we're playing in Minnesota, but 35-9, we went to the basket just as much as they did. I think we had 38 attempts in the paint to their 34, we get nine free throws, I think that speaks for itself."

Timberwolves All-Star forward Kevin Love attempted 18 free throws, double Cleveland's entire total by himself.

Scott's Cavaliers are on a five-game losing streak and currently hold a record of 4-17, second-worst in the NBA. To make matters worse, Cleveland is currently without both Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters due to injury.

This isn't Scott's first post-game outburst of the 2012-13 season. Earlier this year, he declared that everyone on his team, save Anderson Varejao, "sucked" after a loss to the Suns.

a pre-game media availability