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Sacramento star Domantas Sabonis got heated during the Kings' 131-115 loss to the New York Knicks Monday night. According to the NBA, Sabonis “approached and bumped the official in a hostile manner,” resulting in a one-game suspension. The NBA's decision was publicized Wednesday afternoon, which prompted the Kings to release the organization's stance on the situation.
The team tweeted its disapproval of the NBA's decision, stating that he is a “consummate professional and the ultimate competitor.”
We disagree with the NBA’s decision to suspend Domantas Sabonis. He is a consummate professional and the ultimate competitor. We stand behind Domas, and he has our full support.
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) March 9, 2022
According to the tweet, the team stands behind Sabonis and he has their full support.
The incident took place within the last five minutes of Monday night's matchup in Sacramento. As stated in the NBA's release, Sabonis received a technical foul for an “unsportsmanlike reaction” to a called foul. He then “demonstratively again in the vicinity of the game official,” which resulted in a second technical foul.
The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/MZpwwRY3q4
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 9, 2022
Sabonis' actions forced him out of the game early. He is scheduled to serve his one-game suspension Wednesday night when the Kings host the Denver Nuggets.
This is a huge loss for Sacramento, which has lost seven of its last nine games. The power forward leads the team in rebounds and is a top contributor in all aspects of the Kings' game. Sabonis averages 18.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 12.2 rebounds each game.
In Sabonis' absence, the Kings will attempt to break their two-game losing streak and get on a more successful route for the end of the season. The team is 13th in the Western Conference with a deep losing record of 24-43.
