Philadelphia centre Joel Embiid has been fined US$15,000 for criticizing the officials after the 76ers' 110-102 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.
"To me, it felt like they had one job, coming in here tonight. And they got it done. So, congrats to them,'' Embiid said after the game.
When asked if he was suggesting the officials were trying to guarantee a Game 5, he said, "I don't know … but you can figure it out."
Embiid also mockingly applauded the referees after the final buzzer sounded.
The Sixers led the Raptors 3-1 in the best-of-seven opening-round playoff series heading in Monday's Game 5 at Wells Fargo Arena.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 25, 2022.
