USA Today via Reuters
Dec 6, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) shoots the ball in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 6, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) shoots the ball in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Silencing your critics is probably the most exciting feeling on the court for players. From clutch shots to exceptional defensive plays in the last minutes, a player’s value to the team is highlighted the most in the crucial moments of the game. However, their celebrations sometimes become too excessive for professional conduct. That’s what happened with Kyle Kuzma against the Pistons.
The Washington Wizards came away with a close victory against the struggling Detroit Pistons. Kyle Kuzma came up clutch and silenced all his haters in the game. With less than a second left in overtime, he clinched the game for the Wizards with an exceptional corner three-pointer. However, the shot was not the only reason the game went viral the next day.
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The NBA fined him $15ooo for an obscene gesture at a Detroit fan in the fourth quarter.
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma has been fined $15,000 for directing an obscene gesture toward a fan. (🎥 @RealQuintonMayo) pic.twitter.com/w63ojVnxcF
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 10, 2021
Kyle Kuzma gets fined for an obscene gesture against the Pistons
Kyle Kuzma had 26 points and 7 rebounds in the overtime victory for the Wizards. With nearly 10 minutes left on the clock, Kuzma made a three to extend the Wizards lead to 9 points. The Pistons immediately called a timeout because of that. Subsequently, Kuzma turned around to gesture a middle finger at a Pistons fan.
This was clearly spotted on camera and it cost Kuzma $15000 after the game.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 8, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) celebrates his three-point basket in overtime with guard Bradley Beal (3) in overtime at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
From LeBron James‘ big balls celebration to this gesture, they always penalize unprofessional conduct in the NBA. Nevertheless, the fines are like a slap on the wrist for them. Are these fines even a deterrent for players to maintain their professional conduct?
What did this mean for the Wizards?
Only a few days ago, the Wizards were on top of the Eastern Conference standings. Subsequently, a few close losses caused them to fall to the fifth spot. Nevertheless, Kuzma seems to have found a new sense of confidence in the Wizards. Since they traded him from the Lakers, Kuzma seems to play with a chip on his shoulder.
Will he be able to consistently maintain this run of form to take the Wizards into the playoffs? Let us know what you think.
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