The Boston Celtics suffered a double loss last weekend. They dropped two games against the Orlando Magic, and Al Horford was also fined $25,000 for excessive contact with Magic center Moritz Wagner.
The occurrence happened in the third quarter of Friday’s game when Horford elbowed Wagner and was assessed a flagrant foul two and ejected. Horford had returned to the lineup for the Celtics after missing the previous five games and had six points and six rebounds before the incident. Wagner ended up with 25 points in the Magic’s 117-109 victory.
The Magic then went on to defeat the Celtics again on Sunday with a 95-92 final score. Wagner scored 11 points and six rebounds in the win, while Horford scored eight points and six rebounds. The NBA’s decision to fine Horford for his actions on Friday serves as a reminder of the league’s zero-tolerance stance regarding unnecessary contact. While Horford’s actions did not affect the game’s outcome, it’s clear that the NBA will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of its players.