The NBA has been getting chippy over the past couple of nights.
On Thursday, Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks hit Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell with a "cheap shot," causing Mitchell to go after Brooks. Both players were ejected, Brooks has been suspended for one game and Mitchell was hit with a $20,000 fine.
Apparently, that didn't send a message across the league because on Friday night, the Timberwolves and Magic got into a benches-clearing fight.
Late in the third quarter, Orlando was up by double digits when Minnesota guard Austin Rivers missed a 3-point attempt in front of the Magic's bench. It was clear that Orlando center Mo Bamba — who was on the bench — had something ruthless to say to Rivers, given the reaction of his teammate Markelle Fultz, who was sitting next to him.
The next time down the floor, Rivers was standing right over Bamba on Orlando's bench when Bamba got up and started swinging.
What just happened?!?
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) February 4, 2023
Mo Bamba and Austin Rivers have been ejected after this incident.#RaisedByWolves | #NBA pic.twitter.com/DkPSa9TkOH
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Rivers got a couple of shots off on Bamba before Magic guard Jalen Suggs came in and tackled him to the ground. By then, players from both teams were in the mix, taking part in some typical pushing and shoving.
The Target Center Tussle 👀#RaisedByWolves | #NBA pic.twitter.com/7DPJwnELgS
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) February 4, 2023
After a lengthy review, Rivers, Bamba, Suggs, and Timberwolves forward Taurean Prince and Jaden McDaniels were ejected for their part in the fight.
As soon as Bamba got to the locker room, he was quick to pull out his phone and post a meme on his Instagram story regarding the scrap. After the game, Rivers responded on his Instagram story but later took the post down.
As expected, the NBA has handed out discipline for the players involved. On Saturday night, the league announced that Bamba has been suspended for four games without pay and Rivers has been suspended for three games without pay.
Suggs has been suspended for one game.
The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/ViRlfqh31l
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 5, 2023
Bamba, who will begin his suspension on Sunday, Feb. 5, is eligible to return to the lineup on Feb. 13. Rivers is eligible to return to the lineup on Feb. 10.
