Russell Westbrook had a night to forget on Saturday as the Thunder lost 110-88 to the Golden State Warriors. He recorded just seven points in the route and shot 2-of-16 from the field.
As the Thunder were coming off of the blowout loss, the conversation quickly turned to Westbrook picking up his 16th technical foul. Of course, a 16th technical foul triggers an automatic one-game suspension from the NBA.
Westbrook received the tech in the second quarter and did not want to talk about it afterward, responding twice with his notorious, “Next question,” answer.
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 Westbrook has already had two fouls rescinded this season — on Feb. 5 and Feb. 11.
Players also receive a one-game suspension for every two technical fouls picked up after the 16th one (Ex: 18, 20, 22, etc.) but the count resets once the playoffs begin. In the postseason, seven technical fouls earn a suspension.
As it stands now, though, Westbrook may not be suiting up for the Thunder on Monday at home against the Miami Heat. That could, of course, could change.
The NBA will issue its decision before Monday.
