Russell Westbrook fined $10K, avoids suspension for altercation with Rudy Gobert

The NBA fined Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook $10,000 on Tuesday for an altercation with Utah center Rudy Gobert during Monday’s Jazz victory.

Westbrook was also issued a postgame technical foul after not picking one up during the game.

The incident occurred about halfway through the fourth quarter Monday in a chippy game that saw multiple altercations leading to six in-game technical fouls and the ejection of Jazz forward Jae Crowder.

Gobert fell to the ground and grabbed his groin after being fouled in the post by Thunder guard Raymond Felton. Gobert had words when he got up, clearly not pleased with the foul that left him in pain. As Gobert attempted to walk off the pain toward the sideline, Westbrook, who was waiting to check in, left the sideline to confront Gobert, where he slapped at the Jazz center.

After reviewing the incident, officials assigned technical fouls to Felton and Gobert in addition to a common foul on Felton. Somehow, they neglected to issue a technical on Westbrook despite the apparent violation of NBA rules (just ask Amar’e Stoudemire).

Some thought the league office would suspend Westbrook for Game 5 because he left the sideline, but he got away with just the fine and technical.

Westbrook told reporters on Tuesday before the fine was announced that he had heard the horn blow and thought he was permitted to enter the game when he walked onto the floor.

Game 5 will be played on Wednesday in Oklahoma City, where the Jazz, holding a 3-1 lead, have a chance to close the series out.

More from Yahoo Sports:
• Pat Forde: What Duke’s new housing rule means for the school
• Rockies fight trolls who targeted female broadcaster
• Charles Robinson: Dolphins owner may hold key in Kaepernick case
• Kershaw on elite club: ‘Don’t think I’m gonna make that’