Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for making “an inappropriate gesture” during Wednesday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons. The incident occurred after Brown dunked on Pistons center Isaiah Stewart late in the first quarter of the Celtics’ 130-120 victory at TD Garden.
Following the emphatic dunk, Brown made a throat-slashing gesture toward Stewart, drawing immediate attention from fans and league officials. The gesture, considered a violation of the NBA’s sportsmanship guidelines, led to the league’s disciplinary action announced Thursday.
In his postgame comments, Brown acknowledged the likelihood of a fine and admitted that his actions were a result of being “caught up in the moment.”
“It’s an emotional game, and sometimes the adrenaline gets the best of you,” Brown said. “I was just locked in and excited, but I respect the league’s decision.”
Brown’s performance otherwise showcased why he’s one of the NBA’s top talents. The 2024 NBA Finals MVP delivered a well-rounded stat line, finishing the game with 28 points, six rebounds, nine assists, and three steals, helping the Celtics maintain their position as one of the league’s top contenders.
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The Celtics, who improved to 15-5 with the win, are riding high on a strong start to the season. They return to action Friday night in a marquee matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, a team vying with Boston for Eastern Conference supremacy.
Brown and the Celtics will look to move past the controversy and focus on what promises to be a pivotal game in their early-season campaign.
While the gesture has sparked mixed reactions from fans—some defending it as a product of intense competition and others calling for stricter penalties—Brown’s fine serves as a reminder of the NBA’s commitment to maintaining professionalism on the court.
For Brown, it’s a costly lesson in channeling passion without crossing the line.
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