In the wake of a heated post-game clash between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New Orleans Pelicans, the NBA has fined guards Luguentz Dort and Jeremiah Fears $25,000 each for their roles in an on-court altercation following Tuesday night’s game in Oklahoma City.
The incident, which unfolded at the buzzer in the Thunder’s 104-95 home victory, marred what had otherwise been a regular season matchup at the Paycom Center. According to the league’s official statement, the skirmish began after the final whistle — when tensions boiled over between the two players.
What Happened: The Scuffle at the Final Buzzer
The confrontation started just as the game ended. Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears, 19, had just secured an offensive rebound and appeared to be moving into the paint when Dort wrapped him up as time expired. The Thunder winger then shoved Fears in the chest, a move that immediately escalated tensions. Both players grabbed each other’s jerseys “in an aggressive manner,” the NBA said in its press release.
The altercation quickly drew in teammates and coaches from both sides. While no stoppage-of-game fouls were called (as the clock had already expired), the physical exchange was enough for league officials to step in later with disciplinary action.
League Response and Penalties
On Thursday, the NBA announced the fines as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain on-court discipline and sportsmanship. Executives believe that post-game conflicts — even those that occur after the clock hits zero — can erode the professional standards the league expects from its players.
Both players received identical fines of $25,000, a standard penalty for altercations of this nature that stop short of outright fight or intent to injure. Importantly, neither Dort nor Fears received a suspension, meaning both can continue to suit up for their respective teams without interruption.
Dort’s Role: Veteran Aggression
Luguentz Dort, 26, is well known for his intense defensive play and physicality. In this particular contest, he finished with 12 points and eight rebounds, contributing to the Thunder’s convincing win.
Dort’s aggressive style has sometimes led to friction with opponents throughout his career, and while fans are divided over whether his actions were warranted, league officials clearly viewed his shove and involvement in the tussle as worthy of sanction.
Fears’ Involvement: Rookie Reaction
Jeremiah Fears, a 19-year-old rookie and the 7th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, was also fined despite being on the receiving end of the initial shove. Fears scored seven points with three steals in the game and has been having a solid first season, averaging 13.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Pelicans
According to multiple accounts, Fears visibly remained frustrated after the shove and continued to engage with Dort before teammates and staff intervened to separate the two. Security eventually escorted the young Pelicans guard from the floor and toward the tunnel.
Reactions and Coaches’ Comments
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault suggested that the situation was partly a result of the game’s officiating, saying after the contest that officials “lost control of the game” late in the fourth quarter. According to postgame remarks, tensions had been simmering even before Dort and Fears came together, including a separate face-off between players Saddiq Bey and Jaylin Williams earlier in the closing moments. Pelicans
There has been no public comment from Pelicans head coach JJ Redick or other New Orleans staff regarding the fines, though league sources suggest that teams are emphasizing internal discipline and constructive responses ahead of future matchups.
Fan Reaction and Broader Debate
News of the fines stirred debate among fans and analysts alike. Some believe the penalty was justified, citing the need to deter aggressive conduct and post-game confrontations. Others feel the shared fine assignment was overly strict — particularly given that many viewed Dort as the instigator. A segment of the fanbase argued that Fears was reacting emotionally after being fouled in a high-pressure moment and shouldn’t have been punished equally.
On social platforms, reactions ranged widely, with some sympathizing with Fears’ youth and exuberance while others backed Dort’s competitive edge, even joking that the fine was a “small price to pay” in the wider context of millions of dollars in player salaries. Pelicans
What’s Next
With the regular season still unfolding, the fines serve as a reminder of the NBA’s firm stance on player conduct both during and immediately after games. Neither Dort nor Fears is expected to face additional punishment, and both will remain key contributors for their squads going forward.
For the Thunder, the focus shifts back to maintaining their position near the top of the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Pelicans — deep in a rebuilding year — will look to keep developing young talent like Fears while managing emotional moments like the recent skirmish.
As NBA competition intensifies toward the final weeks of the regular season, such incidents underscore the emotional stakes even in games that might seem routine on paper. With the league closely watching player interactions, teams will be keen to balance passion with professionalism as the chase for playoff positioning grows ever tighter. Pelicans
