Russell Westbrook avoids suspension, fined $10K for Game 4 incident
On the brink of elimination, the Oklahoma City Thunder will have reigning NBA MVP Russell Westbrook for their Game 5 outing against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.
Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook has been fined $10,000 by NBA and issued technical foul for incident with Utah’s Rudy Gobert in Game 4 last night.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 24, 2018
The NBA has reportedly decided against suspending Westbrook for his involvement in a scuffle against Utah on Monday.
Technical fouls on Felton & Gobert. pic.twitter.com/8kMf0BtXCW
— Up The Thunder (@BoomtownHoops) April 24, 2018
During an altercation between teammate Raymond Felton and Utah’s Rudy Gobert in the Jazz’ win Monday evening, Westbrook left the bench to get involved. He was at the scorers table, but had not yet checked in.
Under NBA rules, this means an automatic one-game suspension should have been handed to Westbrook as a result. Obviously, the NBA sees it a bit differently.
Westbrook is averaging 21.3 points on just 37 percent shooting in the series. He’s also been completely outplayed by Utah point guard Ricky Rubio over the past three games en route to the Jazz overcoming a series opening defeat by winning all three games.
