Following Sunday afternoon's game between the LA Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves, the NBA announced that Clippers center Daniel Theis had been assessed a $2,000 flopping fine.
The flopping violation came on a pivotal play down the stretch, when the Timberwolves had Naz Reid's dunk waved off early in the fourth quarter after the officials called Rudy Gobert for an offensive foul. The league has now determined that Theis flopped on that play, which certainly may have impacted their call.
In a game that was decided by one point, every possession is critical, and that one was no different. That said, the Timberwolves had plenty of opportunities down the stretch to win the game, but were unable to get the big bucket when they needed it.
It's certainly uncommon to see an 89-88 NBA game in 2024, but that is what the Clippers and Timberwolves turned in on Sunday. With shots not falling for either team, it was the Clippers who were able to do just enough on both ends down the stretch to pull out a much needed victory.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Clippers head coach Ty Lue said, "If we can win a game like that with James 0/10 and PG 5/16, to beat the number one team in the West on their home floor, it says a lot about our team."
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