Video: Spurs' Wembanyama Reacts to Fine for Throwing Ball to Fans After Brunson's 61

San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama pleaded his innocence after the NBA fined him $25,000 for throwing the ball into the stands after last Friday's 130-126 overtime victory over the New York Knicks.

Wembanyama told reporters he knew there was past precedent when it came to a fine but said there was nothing malicious in his actions. He was simply celebrating a hard-fought win.

The 2023 No. 1 overall pick had his best performance of the season against New York, finishing with 40 points, 20 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block. After the final buzzer sounded, he cradled the ball and tossed it into the crowd with his left hand.

Beyond the fact he was leaving himself open to a fine, some fans wondered whether Wembanyama indirectly slighted Knicks star Jalen Brunson.

The veteran guard dropped in a personal-high 61 points and may have wanted the game ball to keep as a memento. Instead, it wound up in the arms of an unsuspecting Spurs fan.

The Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo would not have taken that lightly.