Doc Rivers criticizes NBA fine against Spurs

BOSTON (AP) - Celtics coach Doc Rivers says the NBA's fine against San Antonio was "probably overdone'' after the Spurs kept four of their top players out of a game.

Commissioner David Stern announced the $250,000 penalty on Friday.

Before Friday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Rivers said he didn't like the punishment. He said a coach has to do what he must to win in the long run even if it means sitting players out of games.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich sent Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Danny Green back to San Antonio before Thursday night's 105-100 loss at the Miami Heat. It ended a six-game road trip in which the Spurs played four games in five days.