Knicks’ Bobby Portis fined $25,000 for vicious swipe at Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s head
New York Knicks forward Bobby Portis was ejected Tuesday night for hitting an opponent in the head. One day later, the NBA hit Portis with a $25,000 fine.
Portis was assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 in the second quarter of the Knicks’ 117-87 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers when he took a roundhouse swipe that knocked off Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s headband and sent him crashing to the floor.Â
The NBA announced the fine Wednesday for recklessly making contact above the shoulders of an airborne shooter. Shortly afterward, Portis apologized on Twitter.
“My intent was not to hurt him … was just trying to make a play on the ball,” Portis said, adding, “I’m glad he’s ok.”
Caldwell-Pope was evaluated for a concussion, but was able to return in the second half.
The Lakers had another injury scare later in the game when star forward Anthony Davis fell directly on his lower back while attempting to block a layup attempt in the third quarter.
X-rays were negative and Davis’ MRI came back clean as well, a person with direct knowledge of the MRI told USA TODAY Sports’ Jeff Zillgitt. The person requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly about the situation.
Davis is listed as questionable for Friday’s game in Dallas.
