Russell Westbrook, known for the ferocious tenacity and competitiveness he’s brought to the court for 18 seasons, has played a key role off the bench for the Nuggets this season. 

Through 17 contests, Westbrook has averaged 12.2 points, 5.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game. However, the fire Westbrook brings on a nightly basis went a bit too far in Monday’s matchup against the Knicks, according to the NBA.

The league sent a fine Westbrook’s way on Friday for an “obscene gesture” he made during the game. 

Here’s what to know about the punishment the NBA dished out to the Nuggets guard.

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Russell Westbrook fine, explained

Denver trailed by a significant margin late in its matchup against New York on Nov. 25. As Westbrook drove near the basket, a player on New York’s bench yelled that he had traveled.

After getting the ball back right in front of the Knicks’ bench, Westbrook made a 3-pointer, then turned around and gave the bench the middle finger.

Westbrook flipping off the Knicks bench after this 3 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/WOI1GzJ6pY

— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) November 26, 2024

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On Friday, the league announced it would be fining Westbrook $35,000 for the interaction, calling it an “obscene gesture.”

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/LG1psczc7q

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 29, 2024

Westbrook finished the game with 27 points, 24 of which came in the fourth quarter on 8-for-11 shooting from the field and 3-for-4 from 3-point range. It’s the most points he’s scored in a single quarter in his career, per StatMuse.

Westbrook is in the first year of a two-year, $6.8 million deal with the Nuggets after recent stints with the Lakers and Clippers.