Kuminga fined $35,000 after ejection for confrontation with official

Jonathan Kuminga was ejected late in the second quarter of the Golden State Warriors' preseason win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday after confronting an official, and the NBA on Thursday fined the forward 35,000 for making inappropriate contact with and continuing to pursue a game official. The 23 year old was assessed two technical fouls and tossed after arguing a no call on a drive to the basket with under a second left in the first half; he had logged seven points, six rebounds and four assists in about 18 minutes before the ejection.

League officials said Kuminga made physical contact with referee Rodney Mott while continuing to protest the call. Kuminga later told reporters that the play aggravated concern about his right ankle, which he severely sprained last season, and that the flashback to that injury contributed to his emotional reaction. Team officials later listed the ankle as tweaked, a development the Warriors described as under evaluation.

Coach Steve Kerr defended Kuminga's competitive intensity after the game, saying he appreciated the energy the young forward displayed. "I loved the fire, the passion. I don't mind the ejection at all. I kind of liked...