NBA: Celtics star Jaylen Brown fined $35K for officiating criticism

Celtics star Jaylen Brown has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for criticizing officiating after Boston’s 100-95 loss to the Spurs, vowing to pay up while calling out crew chief Curtis Blair by name. Despite his MVP-caliber season, Brown expressed frustration over inconsistent foul calls and limited free-throw opportunities.

FIELD LEVEL MEDIA / Reuters

January 13, 2026

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown reacts after scoring a three-point basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, January 10, 2026.

Brian Fluharty / Reuters

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown said he would pay the fine for his postgame criticism of the officiating crew following the team’s 100-95 loss to the visiting San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.

The NBA on Monday fined Brown $35,000 for his public comments, which came after the game and through at least two posts on X.

“I feel like, honestly, they just got away with a lot, and I'm tired of the inconsistency. I'll accept the fine at this point. I thought it was some bulls--- tonight. I think (the Spurs are) a good defensive team, but they ain't that damn good,” Brown said.

Brown specifically called out officiating crew chief Curtis Blair, saying, “Every time we play a good team, the inconsistency is crazy. I'll take the f---ing fine. Curtis, all them dudes was terrible tonight. I don't care. They can fine me whatever they want. But it's crazy. Every time we play a good team, it's the same bulls---. Somebody please pull up the clips.”

He also criticized the lack of fouls called against San Antonio. The Celtics were just 3-for-4 from the free-throw line, with two of those coming in the final 37 seconds of the game. Meanwhile, the Spurs went 14-for-20 from the line.

“If we can't get to the free-throw line and teams are allowed to be physical and bump us off our spots, then it's hard to win games like that,” Brown said. “We shot four free throws tonight and lost the game by four. Not to say that's the whole game, the whole story. We got to be better in spots. I got to be better in spots. But goddamn. I'm driving to the basket. I'm physical. I don't flop. I don't shy away from contact. I go up strong. I'm athletic. And nothing. Zero free throws tonight. The inconsistency is f---ing crazy. Give me the fine.”

With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles tear, Brown has been carrying the Celtics with an MVP-caliber performance this season, averaging 29.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 36 games. Against the Spurs, however, he shot just 11-for-28 and was responsible for five of Boston's 10 turnovers.

—Field Level Media/Reuters