NEW YORK — The NBA fined Nic Claxton $25,000 for throwing the ball into the stands through the Nets’ 101-94 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Thursday at Scotiabank Enviornment.
With 8:46 left within the second quarter, Claxton, 25, was heading to the rim in transition when he was deliberately fouled by Kelly Olynyk close to the highest of the important thing. The middle, nonetheless annoyed by a non-call on his missed shot on the earlier possession, then kicked the ball again into the stands.
The NBA doesn’t enable gamers to throw balls into the stands, so Claxton was penalized as a technical foul and shortly ejected. He left the sport with seven factors, 5 rebounds and one block in 11 minutes. It was his third sending off in 27 appearances this season.
“He is aware of he must be higher. Particularly this one,” stated head coach Jordi Fernandez. “You’ll be able to management your frustrations. That is no motive to do this. I perceive all of us have feelings, however the staff wants him. His teammates want him. And he is aware of it.
Claxton practically threw a seat cushion as he left the court docket, however Nets assistant coach Juwan Howard was there to manage Claxton and save him from additional self-discipline.
“I simply had a psychological breakdown and simply threw the ball into the gang. And I am unable to let my feelings get to that. I’ve to be there for my staff,” Claxton stated.
Brooklyn nonetheless dominated the glass 53-34 regardless of Claxton’s absence for many of the night time. Sophomore ahead Noah Clowney got here off the bench hitting two 3-pointers and ending with 11 factors and 9 rebounds in 37 minutes.
Veteran ahead Cam Johnson, persevering with to extend his commerce worth throughout the league, added a game-high 33 factors and a game-high 10 rebounds. Fifteen of his factors got here within the fourth quarter.
“It’s nearly attempting to win the sport,” Johnson stated. “We did not have a superb feeling after that recreation in opposition to Cleveland, so we needed to verify we got here out right here and received a double. To get a victory like this [is big].”
Fernandez was additionally impressed with Johnson’s versatility within the win, as he additionally recorded six assists and two blocks.
“He creates plenty of consideration as a result of he strikes, and groups must hold him that approach,” Fernandez stated. “You open up different guys simply by his means to get open and transfer round. So his efficiency, it is an amazing line.
