NBA fines Spurs' Victor Wembanyama $25K for tossing ball into stands

Rookie Victor Wembanyama's celebratory toss of the basketball into the stands following a San Antonio Spurs overtime victory earned him a $25,000 fine from the NBA, the league announced on Sunday.

Wembanyama had caught and cradled a pass as time expired in the Spurs' 130-126 win over the visiting New York Knicks, then heaved the ball to spectators on Friday. The league typically assesses an automatic fine for throwing or kicking a ball into the stands.

The forward-center had scored a career-high 40 points along with 20 rebounds and seven assists for San Antonio (18-56). His first 40-20 game was his 39th double-double in 65 games.

The No. 1 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, Wembanyama, 20, is averaging 21.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 3.4 blocks and 1.2 steals while starting 65 games.