Jan. 29, 2026, 2:26 p.m. ET
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears has been fined $25,000 for his role in an on-court altercation against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the NBA announced on Thursday.
The incident unfolded following the Thunder’s 104-95 victory on Tuesday when Luguentz Dort wrapped up Fears following a rebound. After time expired, Dort, who was also fined $25,000, shoved Fears in the chest, and both players then aggressively grabbed each other’s jerseys.
Fears and Dort were eventually seperated and the two teams left the court for their respective locker rooms at the Paycom Center. Afterward, the Thunder downplayed the incident while Fears reportedly called Dort “soft” on Instagram.
Fears was among 10 rookies selected to the Rising Stars Game, averaging 13.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, three assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 31.8% from 3-point range. He is fifth in rookie scoring and one of four first-year players with at least nine 20-point games.
The seventh overall pick earlier this season became the fourth-youngest player in history to register three consecutive 20-point performances, trailing Cooper Flagg, Kevin Durant and LeBron James (19 years, 51 days). It was the third-longest streak by a Pelicans rookie.
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The contest between the Pelicans and Thunder was the third and final matchup of the season, with Oklahoma City sweeping the series. The Pelicans return to action on Friday when they host the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Thunder face Minnesota on the road on Thursday.