The NBA fined Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson $5,000 for flopping during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday.
The flop occurred in the third quarter of Tuesday’s game against the Miami Heat. LeBron James was dribbling the ball up the court when Stephenson lightly bumped into him and then fell backward onto the court like it was a real collision, according to the Associated Press. James tried to avoid being bumped into by Stephenson with his right arm, but Stephenson tossed his arms in the air and flailed his head backwards as he fell.
Stephenson is the first player to be fined for flopping in this year’s playoffs. However this isn’t the first time he has flopped. He was fined for flopping during last year’s playoffs as well. He will now be subject to a $5,000 fine for the first violation, a $10,000 fine for a second violation, a $15,000 fine for a third, and a $30,000, fine for a fourth violation, according to Sports Illustrated. Stephenson could face an increased fine and/or suspension if he violates the flopping rule five or more times.
In Game 2 Stephenson had 25 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, while James had 23 points, six assists, and seven rebounds, according to USA Today. The series is tied at one game apiece. Game 3 is Saturday night.