NBA fines Raptors coach Nick Nurse for criticizing referees

“They refused to call any of it," Nurse told reporters after Toronto's loss to the Nuggets on Sunday. "It’s unbelievable to me."

Nick Nurse

Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse took his shots at NBA officials and paid for it as the league fined him $15,000.

Toronto fell to the Nuggets in Denver 95-86 and star Kawhi Leonard attempted just four free throws in the game. Nurse addressed the officiating of Leonard when he met with reporters after the loss.

“Tonight was a very severe case of a guy who was playing great, taking it to the rim and just getting absolutely held, grabbed, poked, slapped, hit and everything,” Nurse said. “They refused to call any of it. It’s unbelievable to me.

"It's ridiculous. The guy is one of the best players in the league, and he doesn't complain, he doesn't do this, he doesn't do that, and they just turn their head and go the other way. It's been going on all year."

Leonard scored a game-high 29 points and grabbed 14 rebounds against Denver. He said the matchup was "very physical."

“There's games when I do talk and get no calls,” Leonard said afterward . “So I don't know what it is. (I’ve) just got to keep going. Just keep playing basketball. Keep fighting and getting through it."