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Tackled fan faces ban, criminal charges after running onto court during 76ers-Wizards game

In Monday's episode of NBA fans behaving badly, a spectator at Capitol One Arena ran onto the court where he was tackled by a security guard before being rushed off the floor.

The incident occurred during the third quarter of the Washington Wizards' Game 4 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. A fan ran onto the court near the baseline as play took place on the opposite side of the court.

A security officer tackled the intruder just under the basket before officials blew the play dead. Dwight Howard walked over to get a closer look as the two wrestled on the ground.

The officer then quickly escorted the intruder off the court and into the tunnel as fans in Washington booed loudly.

Play resumed shortly after the interruption. The Wizards later announced that the offending fan will face charges from Washington DC police and a ban from Capitol One Arena.

Fans acting up across the NBA

The incident was the latest in a week filled with unruly NBA fan behavior as the league's welcomed back near-capacity crowds for the first round of the playoffs.

During last Wednesday's Game 2 between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks, a fan was seen spitting at Hawks guard Trae Young. On the same night in Philadelphia, a 76ers fan dumped popcorn on Wizards guard Russell Westbrook.

Two days later the Utah Jazz barred three fans for using abusive language toward Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant's family as they watched in the stands. On Sunday, police arrested a Boston Celtics fan after video revealed that he threw a water bottle at Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving.

Earlier Monday, Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley revealed that a fan threw beer at him during the same game Young was spat upon. And he was playing in front of a home crowd.

The NBA has a growing problem with the return of fans en masse and no clear solution.

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Mike Scott #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards reach for the ball during the second quarter during Game Four of the Eastern Conference first round series at Capital One Arena on May 31, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Monday's Wizards-76ers game was interuppted by a man running onto the court. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

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