Magic’s Desmond Bane Fined £35,000 for Throwing Basketball at Knicks’ OG Anunoby
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Desmond Bane of the Orlando Magic found himself in hot water after an incident during a game against the New York Knicks that led to him being fined a substantial £35,000. The NBA made the announcement on Monday, confirming that Bane had violated the rules by forcefully throwing the basketball at Knicks’ forward, OG Anunoby. The unexpected play occurred with just over six minutes remaining in the game at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Dec. 7.
Video footage of the incident shows Anunoby advancing towards the basket when Bane and his teammate, Jalen Suggs, intervened by dislodging the ball from Anunoby’s possession. As Anunoby stumbled, Bane aggressively hurled the ball at him, making contact with his back in what appeared to be an attempt to divert it out of bounds off the Knicks player. The intensity of Bane’s throw prompted Knicks play-by-play announcer Mike Breen to humorously liken it to legendary baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan’s signature pitching style.
Following the controversial play, Anunoby responded by pushing Bane before the situation was calmed down by their respective teammates. However, the tension quickly diffused as both players were later seen sharing a laugh over the bizarre moment. The league confirmed that Bane was issued a technical foul for his actions during the game.
Desmond Bane, aged 27, a former player for the Memphis Grizzlies, has been adapting to his new role with the Orlando Magic after being traded in a high-profile deal that involved several players and draft picks. Notably, just two years prior, Bane had signed a lucrative five-year, £207 million contract extension with the Grizzlies in July 2023.
This incident is not the first time Bane has courted controversy this season. In a previous game against the Atlanta Hawks, he was ejected for a similar act of throwing the ball at an opponent, resulting in his removal from the game. Despite these disciplinary issues, Bane’s talent on the court is undeniable, and fans continue to watch his performance closely as he navigates this season with the Magic.
The NBA community has been abuzz with opinions on the incident, with many expressing surprise at Bane’s actions and the subsequent fine imposed on him. As the league maintains its standards of sportsmanship and fair play, such incidents serve as a reminder to players and teams to uphold the integrity of the game at all times.
In conclusion, while sports can sometimes lead to intense moments and emotional reactions, it is crucial for players to maintain composure and adhere to the rules and regulations set by the league. The NBA’s decision to fine Desmond Bane underscores the importance of respecting opponents and playing the game with sportsmanship and integrity. Fans eagerly anticipate Bane’s future performances on the court as he learns from this incident and continues to evolve as a professional athlete in the NBA.