Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said Adam Silver "crossed the bottom line" by continuing to defend Daryl Morey.

In an interview this week, Silver claimed the NBA was asked by China to fire Morey.

“We said there’s no chance that’s happening,” said Silver. "There's no chance we'll even discipline him."

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said no such demand was ever made.

“Silver has spared no effort to portray himself as a fighter for free speech and used freedom of speech as an excuse to cover for Morey, who voiced his support for the violent actors in Hong Kong,” CCTV said. “This has crossed the bottom line of the Chinese people.”

Silver’s handling of the controversy had proved his “double standards”, the broadcaster said, adding that he had “defamed” China on the international stage.

“To please some American politicians, Silver has fabricated lies out of nothing and has sought to paint China as unforgiving,” it said.

The report also said Silver "will receive retribution sooner or later."