FILE–Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook during an NBA game. –Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
The NBA fined Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook $35,000 on Friday for making an obscene gesture.
The incident occurred on the court in the fourth quarter of Denver’s 145-118 home loss to the New York Knicks on Monday.
Westbrook, who erupted for 24 of his 27 points in the final quarter, flashed a middle finger at the Knicks’ bench after making a 3-pointer from the corner with 5:55 remaining.
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The fine was announced by Joe Dumars, NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations.
Westbrook, 36, is averaging 12.2 points, 5.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 17 games (three starts) in his first season with the Nuggets.
The nine-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion has averaged 21.6 points, 8.1 assists and 7.1 rebounds in 1,179 games (1,042 starts) over 17 seasons with six teams. –Field Level Media