Rockets' Chris Paul Fined $35K for 'Reckless' Contact With Ref

Chris Paul has been fined $35,000 for what the NBA called ''aggressively confronting and recklessly making contact'' with an official during Game 1 vs. Golden State.

NEW YORK — Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul has been fined $35,000 for what the NBA called ''aggressively confronting and recklessly making contact'' with an official during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

The fine was handed down Monday by league discipline executive Kiki VanDeWeghe.

The incident occurred with 4.4 seconds remaining in the Rockets' 104-100 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Paul was automatically ejected for a second technical foul for brushing referee Josh Tiven while arguing that Warriors guard Klay Thompson committed a loose-ball foul against him.

Paul said afterward he wasn't sure what he did wrong and wouldn't say whether he made contact with Tiven while arguing.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Tuesday night at Oracle Arena.