Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook was suspended on Sunday for one game after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season on Saturday.
Westbrook will serve his suspension Monday night versus the Miami Heat.
Of course, players and coaches automatically receive a one-game suspension by the NBA once they reach the 16th technical foul threshold. They also receive a one-game suspension for every two technical fouls after the 16th one.
While the Thunder would rather Westbrook play on Monday, the team will save some money toward the luxury tax as a result of the suspension. According to ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks, the Thunder will save $522,521 from the suspension.
The NBA reviews every technical foul issued and has the power to rescind fouls they deem unnecessary. Westbrook has already had two fouls rescinded this season — on Feb. 5 and Feb. 11.
With just 12 games left in the regular season, Westbrook could be in danger of missing another game due to technical fouls. He will be suspended again should he pick up two more technicals.
The technical foul counter will reset once the playoffs begin. In the postseason, it will take seven technical fouls to receive an automatic one-game suspension.
The Thunder are favorites on Monday against the Heat without Westbrook.
