SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 29: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs throws the ball to fans after the game against the New York Knicks on March 29, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images

San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama pleaded his innocence after the NBA fined him $25,000 for throwing the ball into the stands after last Friday’s 130-126 overtime victory over the New York Knicks.

Wembanyama told reporters he knew there was past precedent when it came to a fine but said there was nothing malicious in his actions. He was simply celebrating a hard-fought win.

The 2023 No. 1 overall pick had his best performance of the season against New York, finishing with 40 points, 20 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block. After the final buzzer sounded, he cradled the ball and tossed it into the crowd with his left hand.

Beyond the fact he was leaving himself open to a fine, some fans wondered whether Wembanyama indirectly slighted Knicks star Jalen Brunson.

The veteran guard dropped in a personal-high 61 points and may have wanted the game ball to keep as a memento. Instead, it wound up in the arms of an unsuspecting Spurs fan.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo would not have taken that lightly.