NEW YORK - Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan was fined $35,000 for criticising the officiating after his team lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the opening game of their playoff series, the NBA said on Monday.

Following the Mavericks' 89-81 win on Saturday, McMillan questioned the 29-13 edge in free throws that Dallas enjoyed, including a 19-2 edge in the final quarter.

"Our guys didn't know how to play with the fouls being called ... a lot of touch fouls," McMillan said after the game. "It's hard for our guys to know how to play out there when it's called a little different."

When asked about the fine on Monday McMillan said he was surprised because he did not feel he directed his comments at game officials.

The best-of-seven games series resumes Tuesday in Dallas.