Oklahoma City's Westbrook fined but avoids suspension after Game 4 confrontation

[April 25, 2018]  (Reuters) - Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook has been fined $10,000 over a confrontation with Utah’s Rudy Gobert in Game Four of their playoff series but the Thunder point guard will not be suspended, the NBA announced on Tuesday.

Westbrook squared up to Gobert as he was waiting to check into the game on Monday. The NBA investigated whether Westbrook left the bench to pursue the altercation, which could have led to a suspension, but it decided only to hand out the fine as well as a post-game technical foul.

Utah leads the best-of-seven series 3-1. The Thunder host Game Five on Wednesday.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) heads to the bench after being assessed with his fourth foul during the first half of game four of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports