NBA fines Smart and Kennard for ripping refs after loss

Marcus Smart of the Los Angeles Lakers and his teammate Luke Kennard were both fined by the NBA for comments critical of officials following a loss at Houston in the NBA playoffs (Kenneth Richmond)

Los Angeles Lakers guards Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard were fined by the NBA on Monday for criticism of officiating following a playoff loss at Houston, the league announced.

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Smart was fined $35,000 for questioning the integrity of game officials. Smart complained to referee James Williams about unnecessary ejections.

Kennard was fined $25,000 for directing inappropriate language toward referees.

Both incidents took place in the moments after Houston's 115-96 triumph over the Lakers on Sunday, which lifted the Rockets within 3-1 in the best-of-seven Western Conference first round playoff series.

The Lakers can advance to the second round with a home victory over the Rockets on Wednesday.

The Rockets avoided a sweep but must win on Wednesday to force a sixth game on Friday at Houston.

A winner-take-all seventh game, if needed, would be played on Sunday in Los Angeles.

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