The NBA handed down identical $35,000 fines Monday to Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner following their involvement in a court brawl during Saturday’s game in Miami.
The incident unfolded during the final minutes of Miami’s 136-120 win over Memphis, with just 1 minute and 55 seconds left on the clock. After Pippen missed an attempt and began retreating down court, Gardner made contact with him from behind, sending Pippen tumbling to the ground. Pippen then pursued Gardner to the opposite end of the court, confronted him verbally while pointing, then delivered a forceful shove that sent both players tumbling off the court where they continued wrestling until officials and teammates separated them.
According to the league’s official statement, “Gardner initiated the incident by bumping Pippen from behind, causing Pippen to fall to the floor. Pippen further escalated the altercation by forcefully shoving Gardner in response.”
Officials issued technical fouls to both players and removed them from the contest, though neither received a suspension.
The 25-year-old Pippen is posting averages of 12.5 points and 4.8 assists through four appearances this season for Memphis, including one starting assignment.
Gardner, age 24, has appeared in 28 games for Miami this year with four starts, averaging 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds per contest.
