Dwight Howard Fined $15K for Elbowing Matt Barnes in the Head

The NBA announced Monday afternoon that Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard is now $15,000 poorer, this after throwing an elbow at Matt Barnes’ grill in Game 4.

Howard and Barnes continued to exchange pleasantries in the LA Clippers’ 128-95 rout, and the big fella was unceremoniously tossed out after picking up his sixth foul and a second technical.

The Rockets are down 3-1 and facing elimination heading into Game 5 Tuesday night in H-Town.

From the press release and Houston Chronicle:

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard has been fined $15,000 for making contact above the shoulders with Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes, it was announced Monday by Rod Thorn, President, Basketball Operations.

 

Howard’s actions occurred with 9:21 remaining in the first quarter of the Clippers’ 128-95 win over the Rockets on May 10 at Staples Center.

 

“It means attaboy for Matt for turning the other check, literally,” Clippers head coach Doc Rivers said. “Really. To me that’s a sign of toughness from Matt. I tell our guys all the time, anyone can hit. The tougher guys are the ones who take the hit and keep moving forward. I thought Matt did a good job of that, because it was a nice blow. But instead of getting sidetracked and us losing our composure, we just kept playing. I think that’s been very important for us.”