Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Should Anthony Edwards Face Fines for Playoff Celebration?

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Jacob Hardin | Last updated 4/27/24

As the Timberwolves neared securing a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Suns, led by Anthony Edwards’ impressive 36-point performance, the rising star had some fun inside Footprint Center with a WWE-style “DX crotch chop” celebration.

Following the victory, Edwards addressed the celebration, expressing his attempt to involve Rudy Gobert in the gesture, “I was trying to get Rudy to do it with me, but he would never make eye contact with me, which was crazy because I threw you the ball for the and-one,” Edwards said to Gobert postgame.

However, fans were quick to raise concerns about potential repercussions for Anthony. Some argued that a fine or even suspension might be warranted.

@burncitysports
Anthony Edwards hit the DX celly on the Suns in PHX and then talks about it with Rudy Gobert in the press conference

@espn
Ant hit the “DX” celly

#ESPNNBAPlayoffs #nba #basketball #timberwolves #anthonyedwards #celebration

♬ original sound – ESPN

Anthony Edwards might as well Cash App Adam Silver that fine money in tonight pic.twitter.com/vep9djLopL

— K E V I N ⭑⭒⭒⭒⭒ (@KevChestnut) April 27, 2024

Anthony Edwards will receive a fine for this pic.twitter.com/iHP4IXWCej

— Burgers&Brats Podcast (@BurgersBrats) April 27, 2024

Earlier in the game, Suns’ Josh Okogie was fined $2,000 for his ejection after receiving a flagrant 2 foul for slapping Rudy Gobert in the face during a layup attempt.

Regarding Edwards’ celebration, back in October, 76ers’ Joel Embiid was fined $35,000 for a similar gesture, which the NBA labeled as an “obscene.”

The NBA labeled it as an “obscene jester.”

The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/Rzp9vXCxhP

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) October 31, 2023

Given the precedent set with Embiid’s fine, it would be surprising if Edwards escaped without a similar or even more substantial penalty, especially considering it occurred during a playoff game broadcast nationally.

Edwards has been exceptional throughout the series, averaging 28 points in the first three games. He looks to lead the Timberwolves to a series sweep over Phoenix on Sunday at 6:30 PM on TNT.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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