December 21, 2025, proved to be a costly and painful night for the NBA, marked by hefty financial penalties for coaches and a significant injury to a star player. The league office handed out fines totalling $70,000 to two head coaches for misconduct, while the Los Angeles Clippers' victory was marred by a serious injury to their starting center.
Denver Nuggets' Coach Adelman Ejected and Fined
The Denver Nuggets faced a double blow on Saturday, December 20. Not only did they lose their game to the Houston Rockets with a final score of 101-115, but their head coach, David Adelman, also found himself in hot water with the league. The incident escalated from a first-half technical foul. The breaking point came in the fourth quarter when Nikola Jokic was hit on the arm, leading to a turnover.
Adelman, visibly frustrated, yelled across the court at an official, "You are f**king terrible man!" This outburst resulted in a second technical foul and his ejection with 8:40 remaining in the game. The NBA's response was swift. On Sunday, December 21, the league announced a $35,000 fine for Adelman's use of inappropriate language towards the game officials.
Clippers' Win Overshadowed by Zubac's Ankle Sprain
While the Los Angeles Clippers secured a much-needed victory over city rivals the Los Angeles Lakers, the celebration was short-lived. Key player Ivica Zubac sustained a grade 2 left ankle sprain during the contest. The injury occurred when Zubac landed on LeBron James's foot while attempting a shot near the elbow. He immediately left the court for evaluation and did not return.
According to ESPN reporter Shams Charania, the center is expected to miss several weeks of action. This is a major setback for the Clippers, as Zubac has been a crucial contributor this season, averaging 15.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His absence will test the team's depth during a critical part of the schedule.
Minnesota Timberwolves' Finch Also Penalized
The disciplinary action was not limited to Denver. Chris Finch, the head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, was also fined $35,000 by the NBA on December 21. The sixth-year coach's issues began in the first quarter of his team's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was dissatisfied with a non-call after a play involving Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards.
When Finch argued the case with referee John Butler, he received his first technical foul. His continued protest, which extended to the entire officiating crew, led to a second technical and automatic ejection. Team personnel had to assist in ushering him off the court. The league cited his use of inappropriate language towards the officials as the reason for the substantial fine.
The events of December 21 highlight the intense pressure in the NBA, where emotional outbursts from coaches can lead to immediate financial consequences, and a single play can derail a team's momentum through injury. For the Clippers and Nuggets, the night's outcomes will have lasting effects on their respective campaigns.
