NBA Announces Punishment for Russell Westbrook

Through the current campaign, Westbrook has been a key veteran presence on a Kings roster that has just seven wins and 23 losses, one of the league’s poorest records. He has played some of his most effective basketball in months, however, averaging 14.4 points, 7.2 assists and 6.9 rebounds per game while logging heavy minutes.

Westbrook recently provided a clutch moment in Sacramento’s comeback win over the Houston Rockets, drilling a three-pointer at the end of the fourth quarter to force overtime before the Kings prevailed in thrilling fashion.

Russell Westbrook Fined for Flopping in Kings' Loss to Pistons

Hoping to build momentum into their next game, the Kings welcomed the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, but instead suffered a 136-127 loss, extending a difficult stretch in which Sacramento has dropped six of its last seven contests. In that game, Westbrook was a leading scorer with 27 points, adding six rebounds and four assists as he shouldered a large offensive load.

Amid the loss, Westbrook was involved in a noticeable incident when he appeared to embellish contact on the court, a play that drew a league review.

On Wednesday, the NBA announced that Westbrook had been fined $2,000 for the act, deeming it a flop under league rules. While a relatively modest financial penalty, it adds to a history of disciplinary fines over Westbrook’s long career.

According to Spotrac, this season’s fine joins prior sanctions, including a $2,000 fine earlier this month against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and contributes to a total that now exceeds $500,000 in fines over his NBA tenure.

Despite the rough season for Sacramento, Westbrook’s veteran influence and box-score contributions remain noteworthy.

The Kings will look to regroup as they prepare to host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, with 5:00 p.m. ET tip-off scheduled. Westbrook is expected to suit up and continue his efforts to help Sacramento find answers on both ends of the floor.