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Magic's Steve Clifford fined $25,000 after screaming at officials postgame

Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford was fined $25,000 for verbally abusing game officials, the league announced Friday.

The incident occurred following the conclusion of the Magic's 105-103 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday.

Clifford screamed at the referees at half court and criticized them afterward for what he said was a lack of awareness in not granting him a timeout on the final possession.

Clifford berated referees Tom Washington, Mitchell Ervin and Evan Scott after the game, and had to be held back by Orlando assistant coaches.

He said the officials should have been aware that the Magic, after rebounding a Knicks miss with about 10 seconds left, would likely push the ball in transition and try to call a timeout if that didn't work.

"There's three of them. There's a guy on the baseline, and I just saw it. I mean, visibly I called timeout. I don't understand how that timeout's not called. That may cost me, I don't care," Clifford said.

"Like, again, when players don't have awareness, you lose. Coaches have poor awareness, that was my fault tonight, you lose. The officials got to have awareness, too. Knowing the rules and knowing the game, and knowing the situation's got to be part of it."

Evan Fournier ended up losing the ball for Orlando's 21st turnover.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.