Chris Paul Fined $35K, Not Suspended for Contacting Official in Game 1

Chris Paul lost his cool and then lost his mind during the Houston Rockets' 104-100 loss to the Warriors in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Sunday afternoon. 

With 4.4. seconds remaining and the Rockets trailing by three, Paul made contact with Klay Thompson and lost the ball out of bounds. Paul was incensed that a foul was not called and bumped the referee in the heat of the argument. Paul was issued his second technical of the game and was sent for an early shower. 

Some wondered if Paul would be suspended for contacting an official, but the NBA announced Monday that he would be fined $35K but not suspended for Game 2. 

[RELATED: Warriors react to Rockets' complaint about officiating in Game 1]

The Rockets will have their full arsenal available for Tuesday's all-important Game 2.

Despite a poor shooting night from James Harden and a no-show from Clint Capela in Game 1, the Rockets still had a shot to steal the series opener, 

With Paul only getting hit in the wallet, and Austin Rivers expected to return from an illness, Game 2 should have even more fireworks than Game 1. 

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