Anthony Edwards fined $35K for giving referee middle finger in win at Kings
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 19, 202 (Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Anthony Edwards is not afraid to show his personality both on the basketball court and in front of a microphone, and sometimes it impacts his wallet.
The NBA announced Sunday it has fined the Minnesota Timberwolves’ star guard $35,000 for making an obscene gesture during the first quarter of Friday night’s overtime win at Sacramento. Edwards had 36 points and five rebounds as the Timberwolves got a 13-126 overtime win despite having a 20-point lead late in the third quarter.
What happened?
Edwards made the gesture with about 3:17 left in the first quarter. He gave an official the middle finger after driving the lane into three Kings' defenders, making a pass and being called for a charge. Edwards often drives aggressively into the lane and tries to score through contact without getting a consistent whistle. It's not the first time he's been fined by the NBA.
Last January, Edwards was fined $40,000 for criticizing the officiating in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What’s next
The Timberwolves are at the Phoenix Suns Sunday afternoon. The Timberwolves eliminated the Suns from the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs last season.