The NBA has levied a $500,000 fine against the Utah Jazz for “conduct detrimental to the league” connected to games played on Feb. 7 in Orlando and Feb. 9 in Miami, the league announced on Monday.
The sanction centers on forwards Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., both of whom remained on the bench for the entire fourth quarter of those contests despite, according to the league, being available to continue while the outcomes were still undecided.
Utah led the Magic by seven points entering the final period before losing, 115-112. Two nights later, the Jazz carried a three-point edge into the fourth quarter against the Heat and went on to win, 111-107. The results did not alter the league’s view that the absences violated its player participation policy.
Jackson facing knee surgery
Jackson is scheduled for season-ending knee surgery during the All-Star break. Reporting from The Athletic indicated the Jazz initially intended to sideline him immediately after the issue surfaced in his physical, but the forward requested at least one final home appearance. Sources told the outlet he was limited to 25 minutes per game, a restriction that partially explains his fourth-quarter absence but did not spare the team from punishment. Markkanen’s benching, the league determined, lacked any medical justification.
Jazz governor Ryan Smith disputed the ruling on social media, posting an eye-roll emoji and writing, “Agree to disagree … Also, we won the game in Miami and got fined? That makes sense.”
Pacers also disciplined
The league separately fined the Indiana Pacers $100,000 for resting Pascal Siakam and two additional starters on Feb. 3 against Utah, the second night of a back-to-back. The NBA said all three players were able to participate and that Indiana could have managed their minutes differently.
Commissioner Adam Silver issued a pointed warning: “Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition and we will respond accordingly to any further actions that compromise the integrity of our games.” Silver added that the league is working with its Competition Committee and Board of Governors on additional steps to “root out this type of conduct.”
Source: Hoops Wire
