Suns Coach Monty Williams Fined for Criticizing Officials
Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams was fined for his recent comments made towards the officiating in the team's most recent loss against the Los Angeles Lakers, the league announced on Friday.
Williams was docked $20,000 after directing comments towards the officials on Wednesday night when the Lakers shot 46 free throws to Phoenix's 20. Williams - obviously pent up with frustration after another game where the disparity at the foul line was obvious - said the following after the loss:
"I can sit here and rant and rave about what I feel like is not a fair whistle. It's just not. 46 free throws. We're doing the same, we're attacking the rim. I'm getting explanations about 'we're taking too many jump shots, midrange jump shots' - We're playing a physical game. They had 27 free throws in the first half. They end up with 46. When do you see a game with 46 free throws for one team? That's not right. I don't care how you slice it, it's happening to us too much," Williams said.
"Other teams are reaching, other teams are hitting and we're not getting the same call. And I'm tired of it. It's old. 46 to 20 free throws. With Devin Booker on our team. He gets 12. Josh [Okogie] gets [six]. I mean, our bench had no free throws. That's just - I'm over it. I've been talking about the same thing for a while. Doesn't matter what team it is. Last game, Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander], I think he had 19 free throws. And it's old. And I'm tired of talking about free throws. Our guys have to do their job, we understand that. But that's a huge disparity. 46 free throws. And I'll say it again: 46 to 20. That's it. That's all I got to say."
The Suns are back in action tonight in the final of a three-game road trip when they face the Sacramento Kings.