Mar 11, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Marquese Chriss (3) and Toronto Raptors center Serge Ibaka (9) throw punches in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Both players were ejected. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA suspended Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka three games and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Marquese Chriss one game for their fight in Monday night’s game.
Both suspensions, announced Tuesday, are without pay.
The incident occurred with one second left in the third quarter of the Cavaliers’ 126-101 home win over the Raptors.
Ibaka and Chriss collided while going for a full-court pass near the Raptors’ basket. Chriss appeared to say something as Ibaka got up. Ibaka grabbed Chriss by the throat and punches were thrown by both players.
Ibaka’s longer suspension was based on his instigation of the altercation, throwing a punch at Chriss and his history of fighting during NBA games. The suspension of Chriss was based on throwing a punch at Ibaka.
Chriss will serve his suspension Tuesday, when the Cavaliers visit the Philadelphia 76ers. Ibaka’s suspension begins Thursday, when the Raptors host the Los Angeles Lakers.
—Field Level Media