Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has been fined $50,000 by the NBA for directing profane language toward game officials during a late-game incident in a 104-98 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday.
The heated moment occurred in the final seconds of the game, which had been tied 96-96 with under a minute remaining. The Trail Blazers secured the victory by scoring the last five points, all from free throws in the final 16 seconds.
The Incident
With 4.3 seconds left and the Rockets trailing 103-98, VanVleet was called for an offensive foul. Following the call, he was assessed a technical foul and subsequently ejected from the game.
As he left the court, VanVleet pointed at all three referees and extended his index finger close to one official’s face, showcasing his frustration over the officiating.
VanVleet’s Season and Career Stats
VanVleet, 30, has started all 17 games this season for the Rockets, averaging:
- 14.5 points
- 4.3 rebounds
- 6.1 assists
Over his nine-year NBA career with the Toronto Raptors and the Houston Rockets, he has averaged:
- 15.0 points
- 3.4 rebounds
- 5.7 assists
VanVleet was named an All-Star during the 2021-22 season.
The incident adds to the challenges faced by the Rockets, who continue to rebuild around a young core with VanVleet as one of their key veteran leaders.