Raptors refute report that Siakam was fined for comments toward Nurse

The Toronto Raptors fined forward Pascal Siakam $50,000 for remarks directed at head coach Nick Nurse, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

However, a Raptors spokesperson disputed that report, saying any issues between the two are still "being discussed" and that "no decisions have been made," according to the Toronto Star's Doug Smith.

People close to Siakam also said the forward has not been fined but did not deny that a heated exchange with Nurse took place, sources told TSN's Josh Lewenberg. The fifth-year star is reportedly frustrated with being benched in the fourth quarter of recent games but still shares a strong relationship with Nurse.

It's unclear if Siakam will still be subject to any team-issued discipline.

Siakam's comments were reportedly made as he and Nurse left the court following the conclusion of Sunday's 116-105 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Raptors' eighth straight defeat to that point.

After Monday's loss to the Houston Rockets, who entered the tilt on the worst losing streak in franchise history at 20 games, the Raptors are now on a nine-game slide. The team is 17-26 (.395) on the year overall, sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference.

The pair each enjoyed a career year in 2019-20. Siakam, 26, was named an All-Star for the first time, while Nurse was recognized as Coach of the Year for helping guide the Raptors to a 53-19 (.736) record a season removed from their title.