NBA Fines Thunder’s Dort and Pelicans’ Fears $25,000 Each After Late-Game Altercation
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The NBA has levied $25,000 fines against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort and New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears for their involvement in a scuffle that erupted in the closing seconds of Tuesday’s matchup between the two clubs, the league announced in a press release.
With Oklahoma City ahead 104-95, Fears secured an offensive rebound following a missed three-pointer and attempted a put-back. Video showed apparent contact from Dort, but no foul was called. The two became entangled, Dort shoved Fears, and both players grabbed each other’s jerseys before teammates and coaches intervened to separate them.
“I think that’s a foul on Dort,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said afterward, arguing that a whistle would have prevented the confrontation. “Because they didn’t put a whistle on it, it’s the end of the game and they can do nothing about it, and you end up with that situation.”
Security personnel, including a Pelicans staff member and Jordan Dumars—son of NBA head of basketball operations Joe Dumars—escorted Fears off the floor to keep the incident from escalating further. Other players and coaches quickly converged to restore order.
The financial penalty represents a minor hit for both athletes, though it impacts the rookie Fears more than the veteran Dort. Fears is earning approximately $7.5 million in his first NBA season, while Dort’s 2025-26 salary is set at $18.2 million.
Source: Hoops Rumors
