Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves received a $50,000 fine for inappropriate language and an obscene gesture aimed at a fan. The National Basketball Association announced the penalty Tuesday.
The incident occurred during the third quarter of Game 1 in the first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. The MN Timberwolves guard was involved in an exchange with a fan near the sideline.
League operations president Byron Spruell cited the language and gesture as violations. The Timberwolves won the game 117-95 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, taking a 1-0 series lead.
Reports indicate Edwards stepped in when a fan was heckling teammate Rudy Gobert. Edwards reportedly told the fan about Gobert's salary before making the lewd gesture and comment.
This marks the seventh fine this season for the 23-year-old Edwards. His penalties this season now total $370,000.
Past fines for the Minnesota star have included discipline for profane language and throwing the ball into the stands. He also served a one-game suspension this season for accumulating his 16th technical foul.
Edwards had a strong performance in Game 1, scoring 22 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and distributing nine assists in the Timberwolves victory over the Lakers. Despite the fine, he is expected to play in Game 2.
The NBA playoffs series schedule includes Game 2 Tuesday night in Los Angeles. The teams will continue their first-round matchup as the Timberwolves aim to take a commanding series lead.
