DeMar DeRozan learned the hard way that speaking out against officiating can come with a hefty price tag, as the NBA slapped him with a $25,000 fine for his post-game comments following the Kings' loss to the Nuggets. Despite DeRozan dropping an impressive 35 points, his frustration with the referees was palpable as he bluntly called their performance "terrible as s---." The game took a dramatic turn in the fourth quarter, with the Nuggets capitalizing on free throw opportunities to outscore the Kings and secure the win.
DeRozan's individual brilliance, particularly his explosive third-quarter performance, couldn't save the Kings from falling short in the final frame against the relentless Nuggets. The discrepancy in free throws between the two teams in the fourth quarter highlighted DeRozan's grievances with the officiating, prompting his bold remarks that ultimately cost him a hefty fine. The outcome serves as a reminder of the high stakes and consequences that come with criticizing game officials in the NBA, even in the heat of the moment.