The NBA has decided to only fine Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook $10,000 and not suspend him for Game 5 of the first round vs. the Utah Jazz.
Russell Westbrook has been assessed a technical foul and fined $10,000 by the NBA. He has NOT been suspended. He will play in Game 5.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) April 24, 2018
The NBA investigated an incident from Game 4 in which Westbrook confronted Rudy Gobert on the floor and leaving the sideline to join the dust-up. In the past, NBA players have received suspensions for leaving the bench during altercations but it looks like the league determined this did not justify a suspension.
This is a huge relief for the Thunder who certainly would have had far less of a chance to extend the series without the former MVP.
Westbrook has struggled mightily in the series so far as the Thunder are down 3-1 after winning Game 1 of the series. Westbrook has found himself in a personal battle against Ricky Rubio, one that Rubio may very well be winning through four games.
It will be interesting to see how an inspired and fired up Westbrook responds with his back against the wall in Game 5.
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