Russell Westbrook will no longer be suspended for the Thunder's Monday night game against the Trail Blazers, the NBA has announced. A technical foul that was issued to the Oklahoma City star Sunday night has been rescinded, dropping his season total to 15, one below the amount that triggers an automatic one-game suspension.
Russell Westbrook avoids suspension after NBA rescinds 16th technical foul
The Thunder star will be available for OKC’s game Monday against the Blazers.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Westbrook received the technical during the fourth quarter of the Thunder's 116-104 loss Sunday night to the Pacers, a contest in which he scored 54 points on 43 shots. Westbrook was whistled for a foul after knocking down Pacers forward Luis Scola while trying to get through a screen. He briefly argued the call before being called for a technical by referee Ed Malloy.
This is the second technical foul Westbrook has had rescinded in the past month. The first was originally assessed during a March 29 game against the Suns.
This decision is a major break for the Thunder, who are battling the Pelicans for the Western Conference's final playoff spot. Both teams are currently 43-37. New Orleans, however, owns the tiebreaker, meaning Oklahoma City would have to finish with a better record in order to make the postseason.
The Thunder, after hosting the Blazers on Monday, will travel to Minnesota on Wednesday for their final game of the season. The Pelicans will play the Timberwolves on Monday in Minnesota and then host the Spurs on Wednesday.
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