The fans are at it again. A random NBA fan attempted to run on the court in the Capital One arena during the Wizards vs. 76ers game on Monday night. The unidentified fan was tackled and escorted out of the building by security following the attempt.
The incident took place with under four minutes remaining in the third quarter of the game. It was the fourth game in a best-of-seven between the Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia led the series three games to zero going into Monday night’s game.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania confirms that the fan is banned from Capital One arena, with the Wizards now pursuing charges with DC Police.
Continuing A Trend
This incident marks the fifth time in the last week that NBA fans have negatively impacted a game. Large capacity crowds re-entered arenas across the country for the first time in over a year last week. Complications regarding the COVID-19 pandemic forced fans away since March of 2020. Since they have returned, repeated counts of poor reception between players and fans took form.
A New York Knicks fan spat towards Atlanta Hawks G Trae Young as he stood on the sideline to inbound. Later on, in Philadelphia, a 76ers fan poured popcorn over an exiting Russell Westbrook. Most recently, before tonight, a Celtics fan threw a bottle at Nets G Kyrie Irving as the Brooklyn players exited through the tunnel.
In another playoff series, Tee Morant, father of Grizzlies G Ja Morant, told ESPN’s Tim McMahon about multiple taunts sent he and his wife’s way by Jazz fans in Utah.
The league and team owners have responded to these recent events with haste. Each disruptive fan in Utah, Philly, New York, and Boston has been banned from each building. The latter in Boston now faces assault charges. Considering everything, including the fan who tried to run on the court tonight, it stands to question if the NBA will do more to prevent another incident in the future.
