Russell Westbrook fine, explained: NBA punishes Nuggets guard for flipping Knicks bench

On By Littum

Russell Westbrook, known for the fierce tenacity and competitiveness he has brought to the court for 18 seasons, has played a key role off the bench for the Nuggets this season.

Through 17 contests, Westbrook has averaged 12.2 points, 5.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game. match. However, the fire Westbrook brings on a nightly basis went a bit too far in Monday’s game against the Knicks, according to the NBA.

The league sent a fine Westbrook’s way Friday for an “obscene gesture” he made during the game.

Here’s what you need to know about the punishment the NBA handed out to the Nuggets guard.

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Russell Westbrook fine, explained

Denver trailed by a significant margin late in the Nov. 25 game against New York. As Westbrook drove near the basket, a player on the New York bench yelled that he had left.

After getting the ball back right in front of the Knicks’ bench, Westbrook made a 3-pointer, then turned around and gave the bench the middle finger.

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On Friday, the league announced it would fine Westbrook $35,000 for the interaction, calling it an “obscene gesture.”

Westbrook finished the game with 27 points, 24 of which came in the fourth quarter on 8-for-11 shooting from the field and 3-for-4 from 3-point range. That’s the most points he’s scored in a single quarter in his career, per StatMuse.

Westbrook is in the first year of a two-year, $6.8 million deal with the Nuggets after recent stints with the Lakers and Clippers.