A game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets grew a little extra exciting, as a fan rushed onto the court during the fourth quarter. The fan disrupted the game with five minutes left in the matchup in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
The fan went straight toward Cavs star Donovan Mitchell, holding up a phone as if taking a video. Mitchell backed away from the fan as he approached.
Advertisement
The referees blew their whistles to halt play. The fan was apprehended by security while the players on both teams stood on the court and watched the awkward moment before the Cavs ended up finishing a 131-124 win.
The Cavaliers went on to win the game, 131-124, despite a late surge from the Nets. Brooklyn outscored Cleveland 38-23 in the fourth quarter, with Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr. each putting up more than 30 points. But the Cavs’ early lead, buoyed by a 35-point night from Mitchell, was too much for the Nets to overcome.
The NBA does not take kindly to court stormers. Per the league’s code of fan conduct, violating stadium rules can result in ejections, stadium bans and loss of season tickets. Additionally, fans can be charged with crimes, such as trespassing, depending on local law.
Advertisement
Last December, two models stormed the court at a Minnesota Timberwolves game as part of a stunt to promote cryptocurrency. Both women were charged with disorderly conduct, while one of the women was charged with obstructions, encroachments and littering, per Fox 9.