NBA Fines Edwards and Bane

Anthony Edwards' fine is part of a larger pattern of financial penalties for the young star. During the previous season, he was fined a total of $420,000 for eight different infractions, which were mostly for using profane language in postgame interviews. One of those incidents also involved throwing the ball into the stands after an ejection, resulting in a $35,000 penalty. Desmond Bane is also a repeat offender in the eyes of the league office. Earlier this season, in December, he was fined $35,000 for throwing a game ball in an "unsportsmanlike manner" at OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks. In another instance in November, he was ejected from a game for throwing the ball at a player who was on the ground. The NBA has consistently fined players for throwing the ball into the spectator stands, regardless of intent, to ensure fan safety. Recent examples include a $25,000 fine for San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama for a celebratory toss into the crowd. Grizzlies guard Ja Morant also received a $25,000 fine in March 2025 for a similar action at the end of a quarter. Edwards' infraction occurred at halftime of the Timberwolves' 124-121 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. After a missed shot by Portland at the buzzer, Edwards grabbed the ball and threw it the length of the court. Bane's incident happened after the conclusion of the Orlando Magic's 110-109 win against the Los Angeles Lakers. The fines come as both teams are in different but crucial stages of their seasons. As of late February 2026, the Minnesota Timberwolves hold the 5th seed in the Western Conference with a 36-23 record, firmly in the playoff picture. The Memphis Grizzlies, with a 21-36 record, are in 11th place in the West, battling for a spot in the play-in tournament. Interestingly, the two players' teams faced off in early February 2026. The Grizzlies defeated the Timberwolves 137-128 in Memphis, with Anthony Edwards scoring 39 points in the loss.