In an unprecedented move, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has announced the largest fine ever imposed on referees in league history following the controversial Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves, played on May 14, 2025.
The game, which ended in a 121–110 loss for Golden State, saw the team eliminated from the playoffs in a stunning upset. However, the aftermath has sparked even more controversy, as the NBA has now formally penalized the officiating crew responsible for that night’s game.
“After a comprehensive review, the league has determined there were multiple critical officiating errors that had a direct impact on the outcome of the game,” Commissioner Silver said in a press release Friday morning. “Accountability at every level is essential to the integrity of the game.”
Sources close to the investigation confirm that the officiating crew has been fined a record $2.5 million collectively, citing “egregious missed calls, inconsistent foul assessments, and failure to adhere to video review protocols.” The names of the referees involved have not been officially released, but the NBA Referees Association has already responded with a strongly worded statement expressing “deep disappointment” in the league’s decision and has signaled a possible appeal.
Social media erupted during and after Game 5, with fans, analysts, and even players accusing the referees of one-sided officiating. Several pivotal calls, including a controversial technical foul on Steph Curry in the fourth quarter and two missed goaltending violations, were highlighted in the league’s Last Two Minute Report.
While Commissioner Silver emphasized that no single factor determines the outcome of a playoff series, he acknowledged the growing concern over officiating transparency and consistency.
“This is about restoring trust in the fairness of our postseason,” Silver stated. “The integrity of the game must be protected.”
Golden State has not issued an official comment since the fine was announced, though multiple team sources suggest the organization had privately filed complaints with the league immediately after the game.
The Minnesota Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they were later defeated in six games by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This marks a historic moment in the NBA’s ongoing effort to hold referees to a higher standard, particularly under the pressure of playoff basketball.
