San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, has been slapped with a $25,000 fine by the NBA. The punishment comes after he threw the game ball into the stands following their 130-126 victory over the New York Knicks, seemingly to keep it away from Jalen Brunson.

The 20-year-old Frenchman played a key role in defeating the Knicks in overtime, scoring an impressive 40 points, making seven assists, and grabbing 20 rebounds. Despite his team’s loss, Knicks’ point guard Brunson put on a show with a 61-point performance

Wembanyama’s conduct immediately after the game has led to him being fined by the NBA. But the rookie had nothing but praise for Brunson when he was later interviewed.

“I’ve never seen so (much) greatness before this season…I’ve just witnessed so much greatness and I want to be a part of it,” he said about playing against Brunson, who became the seventh player to score 60 in a game this season.

“I always wanted to, but more and more seeing that already able to, compete with those guys. I’m not near (them) but I’m on the right path. I know it and I’m going to get there one day soon.”

Brunson also had kind words for his Spurs opponent, predicting a bright future for the rookie. “He’s going to be one of the greatest players this game’s seen,” Brunson said/

“Just the way he’s built and what he’s been able to do so far. So I’ve got a lot of respect for him and it’s definitely tough to get a shot up and in over him.”

The Frenchman was docked $25,000

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was amazed by his player Wembanyama and Brunson from the Knicks. He said: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that,” about their performance.

“It just shows what (Wembanyama) is going to be when he understands all the physicality that’s coming at him all the time and what to do about it. Fortunately, he’s also a hell of an instinctive passer and he’s willing to do what he needs to do in that regard. So he’s pretty special.”

Even though the Spurs are at the bottom of the Western Conference, Wembanyama has had an amazing first season in the NBA. He’s played in 65 games and averages 21.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 3.4 blocks, and 1.2 steals.

Next, Wembanyama and the Spurs will play against the Golden State Warriors, who are having a tough time but could still make the playoffs. The Warriors, with star player Steph Curry, have nine games left to turn their season around. The Spurs, however, are out of the playoff race already.