NBA Fines Pippen Jr. and Gardner $35K Each After Grizzlies-Heat Brawl

The NBA has fined Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner $35,000 each following a late-game altercation during a recent game between the two teams, according to multiple reports from Yahoo Sports. The scuffle led to both players being ejected but did not result in any suspensions.

The incident, which unfolded in the final moments of the game, was reportedly initiated by Gardner and escalated by Pippen Jr., as the league indicated. Scotty Pippen Jr. described the incident as a response to what he perceived as a "cheap shot" from Gardner, while Gardner later characterized the conflict as unintentional and emphasized sportsmanship in his comments.

Both players have spoken publicly about the confrontation, with Gardner opening up about the unexpected nature of the fight and Pippen Jr. expressing disagreement with the financial penalty. Pippen Jr. asserted that the NBA should not have imposed fines following the altercation, as reported in several Yahoo Sports articles.

The fines come as part of the NBA’s efforts to address player conduct and maintain discipline on the court. With no suspensions handed down, both players remain active and eligible for upcoming games. Observers will be watching how the league manages future incidents and whether additional measures might be taken to prevent similar altercations.