Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton has been handed a one-game suspension after receiving his sixth flagrant foul point of the season, as announced by the NBA on Tuesday.
The incident leading to the suspension occurred late during the Nets' 107-99 loss to the Washington Wizards on Monday night. While fighting for position during a rebound, Claxton shoved Wizards big man Justin Champagnie from behind, causing him to crash to the court with significant impact. Champagnie quickly regained his footing and confronted Claxton, though teammates and officials intervened before tensions escalated.
Recorded video of the play showed Claxton being assessed with the flagrant foul penalty, prompting the league’s decision to suspend him due to the accumulation of flagrant foul points. This was not just another foul; it marked Claxton’s sixth, which triggers automatic punitive measures under NBA regulations.
Completing his sixth season, Nic Claxton has been averaging 10.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this year. His performance has been notable as he continues to adapt and thrive on the court. Claxton is currently enjoying the initial year of his new contract with the Nets, which is valued at four years and $97 million.
Interestingly, Claxton had scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds during the match against the Wizards just prior to receiving the suspension. The Nets now face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, where they will have to proceed without the 25-year-old player. The game is set to take place at the iconic Barclays Center.
With Claxton’s absence, the Nets will have to adjust their lineup as they seek to improve their record, which currently stands at 21-36, placing them 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. After serving his suspension, Claxton will be eligible to rejoin his teammates when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
Despite the challenges, Claxton has expressed determination to bounce back and contribute significantly upon his return, aiming to help lift the team through this challenging phase of their season.