Houston's James Harden has been fined $25,000 ($A35,000) by the NBA for his criticism of the game's officiating, before the Rockets star was ruled out of the showdown with the Golden State Warriors because of flu-like symptoms.
Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters before the Oracle Arena game against the Warriors that his All-Star guard would be inactive after he was officially listed as questionable because of a neck strain.
"He might've played even with a sore neck, he had a little touch of the flu. It was a combination of everything," D'Antoni said.
Harden, the reigning NBA MVP, is averaging a league-leading 36.5 points this season.
The NBA announced Harden's penalty on Saturday, two days after the seven-time All-Star said he didn't think referee Scott Foster should be allowed to work any Rockets games.
Harden fouled out in Houston's 111-106 loss to the Lakers at Los Angeles after he scored 30 points, the 32nd-straight time he's reached that mark this season.
After the game, Harden criticised Foster and said he realised his words likely would result in a fine.
"Scott Foster, man. I never really talk about officiating or anything like that but just rude and arrogant," he said.
"I mean, you aren't able to talk to him throughout the course of the game, and it's like, how do you build that relationship with officials?"
According to ESPN Stats & Information, Foster called 18 personal and technical fouls on Thursday, with 12 of them against the Rockets.
Seven of those against Houston were in the fourth quarter.
"It's lingering, and it's something that has to be looked at for sure," Harden said.
"For sure, it's personal. For sure. I don't think he should be able to even officiate our games anymore, honestly."
Four offensive fouls were called on Harden against the Lakers, including his sixth called by referee Michael Smith that ended his night.
Rockets point guard Chris Paul also fouled out against the Lakers and was whistled for a technical foul by Foster.
The Rockets were leading by 19 points in the second half at the STAPLES Center.
In the final 20 minutes of the game, the Lakers attempted 17 free throws, the Rockets none.
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