Thunder's Ibaka fined $25,000 for hitting Griffin

New York, March 6 (IANS): Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka was fined $25,000 dollars for striking Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin in the groin during a game on Sunday, the National Basketball Association (NBA) said.

Ibaka was initially whistled a level one flagrant foul. In addition to the fine, league officials upgraded the foul to a more serious flagrant two but decided not to suspend him.

The incident occurred with 1:52 to play in the Thunder’s 108-104 victory over the Clippers.

Replays showed that during the play, Ibaka first grabbed Griffin’s right arm and then struck him in the groin area, causing Griffin to crumple to the court.

Griffin said after the game he was “kinda” surprised Ibaka wasn’t called for a flagrant two foul and ejected from the game.

Ibaka insisted his below the belt hit wasn’t intentional.

“I just wanted to try to get position and he has his hands on me, so I’m going to try to sweep (my hand) to get in position to go get a rebound,” Ibaka said.