Thunder fan gets NBA warning after jawing at Kyrie Irving

Thunder Maverick Kyrie Irving OKC fan Game 1 NBA Playoffs

During Game 1 of the second round NBA Playoffs matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks, an OKC fan was caught jawing with Mavs guard Kyrie Irving.

Now the fan revealed that he was given an official warning by the NBA, per the Dallas Morning News:

“Shortly after Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Mavericks and Thunder, Juan Guerra II took to Twitter/X to air some grievances. The Oklahoma City fan apparently shared some words with Kyrie Irving during the matchup, which led to a warning from the NBA and a near ejection.

Guerra posted two pictures of the league’s notices on his social media, including a red warning card.

The card read as follows: ‘You are being issued a warning that the comments, gestures and/or behaviors you have directed at players, coaches, games officials, arena staff and/or spectators are in violation of the NBA Fan Code of Conduct. This is the first and only warning you will receive. If, after receiving this warning, you continue to violate the NBA Fan Code of Conduct, you will be immediately ejected from the arena without refund.’”

Irving is no stranger to run-ins with fans. Prior to Tuesday’s incident with the Thunder, Irving had a Hornets fan ejected last March. It is unclear what the fan said to Irving, but more players in recent years have taken this step with fans they feel had crossed the line of common decency. Irving addressed the situation in his postgame press conference.

“He called me out my name. So, I just had to make sure I looked him eye to eye and see if he’d say it to my face.”

Hopefully, everyone is able to maintain their composure on Thursday night during Game 2 of the series between the two teams.

Thunder dominate Mavericks in Game 1

The Thunder utilized an impressive brand of defense to contain the Mavericks. Dallas shot just 39.3 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from beyond the arc. Luka Doncic, an MVP finalist like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, scored only 19 points on 6-for-19 shooting and had five turnovers.

Irving had 20 points on 7-14 shooting in his 37 minutes of action. he also had four turnovers on the night.

Offensively, Oklahoma City was paced by, who else, Gilgeous-Alexander with 29 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Chet Holmgren had 19 points, seven rebounds, and three blocked shots, and Jalen Williams used a massive fourth quarter run to finish with 18 points.

Williams scored eight straight points for the Thunder in a run that put Oklahoma City ahead 102-87, and the Thunder controlled the game from there.

The Thunder set an Oklahoma City playoff record with 29 assists.

The Thunder and Mavericks will be back at it in Game 2 from Oklahoma City on Thursday night.

Tags: Oklahoma City Thunder