Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane has been fined $35,000 for firing the ball at New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby during Sunday’s matchup, the NBA announced Monday.
The incident occurred in the fourth quarter with Orlando trailing 91–80. After stripping the ball from Anunoby on a layup attempt, Bane secured possession and then hurled the ball at the Knicks forward, sparking a brief verbal exchange and some shoving. He was assessed a technical foul. The league noted the fine was for “throwing the game ball with force at an opponent in an unsportsmanlike manner.”
Unlike situations where players toss the ball at someone out of bounds to avoid a turnover, Bane appeared to have full control and was not at risk of stepping out. It remains unclear whether any earlier confrontation between the two players led to the act.
Anunoby shrugged off the moment afterward, telling reporters he was initially “confused” before finding it amusing. “I like Desmond … he’s a good dude,” he said, joking that he “should have caught it.”
New York went on to win 106–100, with Anunoby scoring 21 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Bane finished with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists. Despite the fine, the Magic avoided losing Bane to suspension; the former Grizzlies guard has been a key contributor this season, averaging 18.3 points per game.
