Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) is ejected from the game along with Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka, not seen, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Jan 9, 2018, in Toronto. (NATHAN DENETTE / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP)
NEW YORK — The NBA has suspended Miami Heat forward James Johnson and Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka one game apiece for throwing punches at each other.
The punishment was announced Wednesday by Kiki VanDeWeghe, the league's executive vice president for basketball operations.
The fight began with 7:50 remaining in the third quarter of the Heat's 90-89 victory over the Raptors on Tuesday night in Toronto. Ibaka and Johnson started shoving each other while waiting for the ball to be inbounded under the Miami basket. Both received technical fouls and ejections.
Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) rejects a shot from Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Jan 9, 2018, in Toronto. (NATHAN DENETTE / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP)
Johnson is serving his suspension Wednesday night when the Heat visit the Indiana Pacers. Ibaka will serve his suspension Thursday night when the Raptors host the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The NBA also fined the Raptors' DeMar DeRozan $25,000 and the Heat's Goran Dragic US$10,000 for a separate altercation at the end of the game, during which DeRozan attempted to shove.
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