NBA to fine Jason Kidd $50,000 for spilled drink stunt
The NBA will fine Brooklyn Nets coach Jason Kidd $50,000 for dropping a cup of soda on the floor in order to manipulate extra time in Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told Yahoo Sports.
With Brooklyn out of timeouts, TV replays caught Kidd telling Nets guard Tyshawn Taylor to "hit me" with 8.3 seconds left at the Barclays Center. Taylor immediately walked into Kidd who spilled a beverage, forcing the officials to take time to clean up the court while Nets assistant coach John Welch drew up an offensive play in an impromptu huddle.
The tactic didn't help the Nets. Lakers guard Jodie Meeks made both of his free throws and the Nets' Paul Pierce missed a 3-pointer on Brooklyn's following possession.
The Nets lost the game against the Lakers 99-94 to fall to 4-11.
After the game, Kidd initially denied having Taylor intentionally walk into him.
"The cup slipped out of my hand," Kidd told reporters at the game. "I was getting tired. Sweaty palms. I was never good with the ball. So, in the heat of the battle, you’re trying to get guys in and out of the game, and the Coke fell out of my hand."
