NBA announced On Sunday, San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembaneyama was fined $25,000 for throwing a ball into the stands after a 130-126 overtime victory over the New York Knicks.
Wenbanyama recorded his best performance of the season, recording 40 points, 20 rebounds, and 7 assists. After the final buzzer sounded, he quickly grabbed the ball and celebrated by tossing it to the home crowd.
After Knicks star Jalen Brunson dropped a career-high 61 points, some were angry at Wembangyama's lack of care with game ball. The veteran point guard may have wanted to keep the memorabilia wrapped in one fan's hand.
It reminded me of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who ran down the tunnel believing his 64-point performance would cost the Indiana Pacers the game.
There was no malice in Wenbanyama's actions, but the rulebook is pretty clear. Deliberately throwing or kicking a ball into the stands will result in an expulsion if it occurs during a game, and past court precedent would result in a minor fine.
Asked after the game if he was going to make up for the loss of basketball, the 7-footer jokingly replied, “Someone else is going to make up for it.”
The 20-year-old will have a much harder time shifting his $25,000 fine to another party. Considering he makes $12.1 million this year, it's no big deal for him to write a check to the league office.
However, Wenbanyama will be advised to confine his celebrations entirely to the court from now on.
