New York ? Detroit Pistons coach Larry Brown was fined $7,500 Wednesday by the NBA for criticizing officials.

“I expected that,” Brown said Wednesday after practice. “I’m not saying anything I don’t believe in my heart.”

On Monday, Brown said referees tried to antagonize Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace, who was limited to 22 minutes in a Game 3 loss against the New Jersey Nets because of foul trouble.

“It’s just not right, it’s not fair,” Brown said. “I just think they disrespect the kid in general, that’s the bottom line. They can fine me or whatever they want. I’m just telling you a fact.”

The Eastern semifinal series between Detroit and New Jersey is tied 2-2. Game 5 is Friday at Detroit.