League reviews Thunder fouls

Anthony’s flagrant will stand as called

By The Associated Press

The NBA said Carmelo Anthony’s flagrant 2 foul will stand, but has rescinded theflagrant issued to Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City’smost recent game.

The league also fined Westbrook,Paul George and coach Billy Donovan $15,000 apiece Wednesday for their criticisms of the officials after the call Sunday against Anthony.

Both were unusual plays inthat flagrant fouls are usually called against defensive players. Instead, Anthony and Westbrook were whistled for contact they created whileattempting shots.

Anthonydrove to the basket and elbowed center Jusuf Nurkic in the face on a shot that went in during the Thunder’s loss in Portland on Sunday. The basket was overturned after review and Anthony was hit with the automaticejection.

NBA notebook

Crew chief Rodney Mott said after the game that referees ruled the contact was excessive and not a natural basketball move. Westbrook was attempting a jump shot Tuesday against Sacramento when he and defender Bogdan Bogdanovic collided. Westbrook was issued flagrant 1 foul.

A flagrant 1 is considered unnecessary contact. The flagrant 2 is deemed unnecessary and excessive. The league reviews all flagrants and can upgrade, rescind or leave them as called on the floor. If a player exceeds five flagrant foul points during the season, he will be suspendedfor the next game.

Knicks

New York star Kristaps Porzingis sat out in the team’s 112-99 loss against the Orlando Magic because of a sprainedankle and an elbow injury. New York coach Jeff Hornacek said Porzingis is expected to be ready to play Saturday night against the SacramentoKings.