Things got chippy between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, but the heavily-favored Sixers emerged victorious in relatively-lopsided fashion.
Joel Embiid‘s return garnered all kinds of headlines in advance of the game, and the always entertaining center also happened to play (very) well, to the tune of 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in 30 minutes. Still, one particular incident drew a lot of attention and, now, a monetary fine.
Heat forward Justise Winslow was captured stepping on Embiid’s newly-fashioned facemask during the second quarter, and as a result of that incident, the NBA announced on Friday evening that they were fining the former Duke standout $15,000. The official announcement indicated that Winslow’s fine came as a result of “unsportsmanlike conduct for intentionally stepping on the facemask…of Embiid.”
Justise Winslow really stepped on Embiid's mask/goggles and tried to rip them apart lol pic.twitter.com/kDZL9o1Wlm
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) April 20, 2018
Fortunately, Embiid was able to continue playing, and well, he decimated the Heat as a result. The fine likely won’t change Winslow’s life or have any bearing on the series, but it was an indication that the NBA was unamused by his antics. Embiid has vowed to “be a nightmare” for the Heat the rest of the way, and if Winslow’s actions contributed to a highly motivated star big man, they probably won’t be helping Miami’s chances.
