The NBA fined Indiana forward Paul George $US25,000 ($A27,050) on Tuesday for criticising the officiating in the Pacers' playoff loss to Miami the night before.
Rod Thorn, the NBA's President for Basketball Operations, announced the fine, singling out comments George made in a post-game media conference after the Pacers' 102-90 defeat in game four of the Eastern Conference finals in Miami.
Miami's victory gave the Heat a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, and put the Pacers on the brink of elimination.
The Pacers were angered by the disparity in fouls called. The Heat made 30 of their 34 free throws, while the Pacers made 11 of 17.
"Maybe this was just home cooking," said George, who added that he thought the Pacers outplayed the Heat but couldn't overcome a "20-point differential" that came through foul calls.
The Pacers will try to stay alive in the series when they host game five on Wednesday.
Two-time defending champions Miami will look to go through to the NBA Finals for the fourth straight season.
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