In a move that underscores the NBA's commitment to maintaining the integrity of its games, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has been hit with a hefty $75,000 fine. The sanction, announced Tuesday, was in response to Gobert's "money sign" gesture during Game 4 of the Timberwolves' playoff series against the Denver Nuggets.
The NBA deemed Gobert's action as an "inappropriate and unprofessional gesture that questions the integrity of the league and its game officials," according to a league news release. This is not the first time Gobert has been penalized for such behavior. Earlier this season, he was fined for making the same gesture towards a referee, a move that cost him $100,000.
The incident occurred during the Timberwolves' 115-107 loss to the Nuggets, a game that evened the series. Gobert's gesture, often used to tauntingly accuse officials of fixing games for money, came after he was called for an offensive foul. Despite the quickness of the gesture, it did not escape the league's notice.
Gobert, who tied an NBA record by winning his fourth NBA Defensive Player of the Year this season, has been less effective in the second-round series against the Nuggets. The Timberwolves' best defensive performance in the series came in a Game 2 victory when Gobert was absent due to the birth of his son. The team lost the next two games with Gobert back in the lineup, tying the series 2-2.
The NBA's decision to fine Gobert underscores the league's commitment to maintaining the integrity of its games. It sends a clear message to players that unprofessional conduct towards game officials will not be tolerated. Gobert, for his part, acknowledged the need for better emotional control, stating, "Individually, collectively, we got to, whatever happens, we got to focus on what we can control and definitely can control our emotions and control the way we react to adversity and react to anything that happens on the court."
The series continues, with both teams facing high stakes and the NBA making it clear that it will not tolerate any gestures or actions that question the integrity of the game.
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