Mavs coach Carlisle fined for officiating comments

Associated Press Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Saturday for criticizing the officiating after Dallas’ loss to Golden State. With the Mavs trailing 98-97 on Thursday, Brandan Wright had the ball knocked away while going up for a shot, and no foul was called. The Warriors went on to win 100-97 at home. Carlisle was particularly frustrated because the NBA had acknowledged the referees made a mistake in the final seconds of a loss at Portland two days earlier. O.J. Mayo was called for a charge with 1.5 seconds left in a tie game, and the league conceded the next day it should have been a blocking foul, which would have given the Mavericks two free throws to try to take the lead. Instead, LaMarcus Aldridge hit a buzzer-beater to win it. “The game came down to the call that wasn’t made. Brandan Wright got hit on the arm,” Carlisle said Thursday. “And it’s obvious. And it’s two [games] in a row. ... And I’m very concerned about what’s happening at the end of games with the officials. I can only be honest.” On Saturday, Carlisle sent a text message to reporters saying he spoke to the league office and agreed with the fine. He said the comments were “not appropriate.”

Mavs coach Carlisle fined for officiating comments February 03,2013 05:14 AM GMT Associated Press Copyright � 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,broadcast, rewritten or redistributed..

Duncan hurt in game

San Antonio Spurs All-Star Tim Duncan injured his left knee and had to be helped off the court in the first half of Saturday night’s game against the Wizards.

The severity of the injury was unknown.

Duncan lay on the court clutching his knee for a few minutes after Washington forward Martell Webster rolled into the back of it while fighting for a rebound. Duncan got up on his own, but limped to the locker room with the assistance of teammates Stephen Jackson and DeJuan Blair.

Pargo gets more days

The Atlanta Hawks signed guard Jannero Pargo to a second 10-day contract.

In five games since signing with the team Jan. 21, Pargo has averaged 5.2 points and 2.6 assists. The Hawks announced the second 10-day deal before Saturday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls.

Pargo played seven games earlier this season with Washington.

The Hawks signed Pargo last month after they lost guard Lou Williams for the season and another guard, Devin Harris, sprained his left ankle. Harris has returned, but Pargo, a nine-year veteran, is still needed as a backup.