OKC Thunder shorthanded at the point after fines and suspensions levied by NBA
Suspensions and fines levied for the melee between the OKC Thunder and Chicago Bulls will leave the team shorthanded in Sacramento.
Although the fight versus the Chicago Bulls did nothing to stop the OKC Thunder from winning the fallout from the fight is affecting tonight’s match versus the Kings.
Several players on both teams were fined for their part in the melee. But the suspensions and specifically who is getting suspended leaves the OKC Thunder extremely short on talent at the point guard position.
Billy Donovan said the suspension of Dennis Schroder and Raymond Felton is “disappointing.“ Donovan said he was by Schroder and he was trying to play peacemaker in Thunder-Bulls skirmish.
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) December 20, 2018
Both Dennis Schroder and Raymond Felton will miss the game in Sacramento. This because as NBA rules stipulate you cannot leave the bench area. Only players on the court can be involved in these situations. Each of Schroder and Felton will serve a one game suspension for this.
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As for the fines three players were tagged to pay for their role in the skirmish including two Bulls and one Thunder player.
Robin Lopez was fined $25,000, and Kris Dunn who started everything by shoving Russell Westbrook was pegged for $15,000. Jerami Grant was the lone OKC player fined and will dish out $20,000.
Surprisingly, Chicago Bulls Head Coach Jim Boylen was not fined despite putting Jerami Grant in what could be best defined as a headlock. Boylen wrapped his arm around Grant’s neck and pulled him backward.
After the game, Boylen spoke of how impressed he was by his team fighting for one another which makes you wonder if these types of altercations will become the norm rather than the exception for Chicago.
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How Billy Donovan addresses the backup point guard role will be the biggest problem although we may see Abdel Nader spending some time at the point.