New York Knicks wing OG Anunoby received justice following a controversial moment during Sunday’s victory at Madison Square Garden, as the NBA fined Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane $35,000 for throwing the game ball with force at the New York forward in the fourth quarter.
The fine stemmed from an incident with 6:13 remaining in the Knicks’ 106–100 win, when Anunoby fell out of bounds after a collision at the rim and Bane picked up the loose ball and launched it off him. Officials immediately assessed a technical foul.
The league’s disciplinary decision — announced Monday — concludes what has quickly become one of the season’s most unusual flashpoints and marks the second time Bane has been disciplined for throwing a basketball at an opponent lying on the court.
Second Incident This Season Leads to Discipline for Desmond Bane
Sunday’s infraction was not an isolated moment. On Nov. 4, during Orlando’s 127–112 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Bane was ejected after grabbing Onyeka Okongwu’s forearm on a hard foul before firing the ball down onto Okongwu as he hit the floor. Officials reviewed the play and upgraded it to a flagrant, followed by a technical and ejection.
The repetitive nature of Bane’s actions drew widespread criticism and confusion from broadcasters, league analysts, and former players.
CBS Sports’ Ashley Nicole Moss labeled the move “clown behavior,” while former NBA veteran Eddie Johnson called the throw “legal, yet nasty,” given the context. On FanDuel TV, three-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins reacted bluntly.
“I’m not saying punch him in the face, but maybe slap the [expletive] out of him,” Cousins said. “That’s crazy. I’m not going for that.”
Former players Chandler Parsons and Lou Williams called it one of the strangest in-game reactions they’ve seen, questioning the escalation considering the play itself lacked any visible provocation.
Anunoby’s Reaction Fits Knicks Identity and Culture
Anunoby — who has quickly become a defensive tone-setter and two-way essential for New York — chose not to escalate. When asked postgame for his reaction, the typically reserved forward took a tongue-in-cheek approach:
“I should have caught it,” Anunoby said, per Fred Katz of The Athletic.
The response reflects the steadiness the Knicks have embraced since his arrival. Against Orlando, Anunoby delivered 21 points, seven rebounds, and a series of timely fourth-quarter plays that reinforced New York’s identity as a physical, composed and defensively dominant team.
The win improved the Knicks to 16–7 overall and a dominant 13–1 at home, despite being without Karl-Anthony Towns, sidelined with left calf tightness.
Knicks Dealing With Another Injury Concern: McBride in Walking Boot
New York also suffered a setback as backup guard Miles McBride exited Sunday’s game with a left ankle sprain. He arrived at the practice facility on Monday in a walking boot, the New York Post reported.
Head coach Mike Brown told reporters McBride underwent X-rays — which came back negative — but was sent for an MRI to determine the severity.
“I actually asked him that before he went to get an MRI,” Brown said when asked whether McBride would travel. “He said he doesn’t know.”
McBride’s absence looms as New York continues to navigate thin backcourt depth and increased usage across its rotation.
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