Cavs News

Cavs News: Isaiah Thomas Fined $20K by NBA for Striking Andrew Wiggins

Published by
Brad Sullivan

When Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Isaiah Thomas was ejected from Monday night’s loss in Minnesota, the inevitability of the NBA assessing some sort of penalty on the veteran guard was expected. On Wednesday, the league made that penalty a financial one by fining Thomas $20,000 for his hit on Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins.

Thomas, who was playing in just his third game since returning from an extended rehabilitation of an injured hip, potentially faced a suspension for striking Wiggins in the throat as the latter drove to the basket. The play took place during the third quarter, with Thomas being assessed a flagrant 2 foul, which called for an immediate ejection. At the time, the Cavaliers were in the midst of being routed by the Timberwolves.

The fine won’t put much of a dent in his 2017-18 salary of $6.26 million and will allow him to play in Thursday night’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors. In his three games as a member of the Cavs, Thomas has averaged just 19.7 minutes of action as he’s being eased back into the team’s lineup. During his time on the court, he’s averaged 15.0 points and 3.3 assists.

Brad Sullivan

Brad Sullivan is a lead writer for Cavaliers Nation. He has spent much of life in the Cleveland, Ohio area, and has remained a Cavalier fan from their 1970 beginnings through the return of LeBron James. While that fandom was sorely tested during the Reign of Error known simply by one word, Stepien, that overall historical perspective will be part of his writing for Cavaliers Nation in the months ahead.

Published by
Brad Sullivan

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