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Russell Westbrook explodes in 'disgusting' incident with fan

andrew reid
·4-min read
Pictured here, Russell Westbrook erupts after having popcorn tipped on him by a fan.
Russell Westbrook was furious after a Sixers fan tipped popcorn on him while heading for the locker rooms. Pic: NBC Sports

Russell Westbrook exploded in anger after a fiery incident with a rival fan during Washington's NBA Playoffs loss against Philadelphia.

The Wizards point guard suffered a right ankle injury in the fourth quarter of the Game 2 loss against the 76ers, failing to return to court before his side slumped to a 120-95 defeat.

Westbrook went down after colliding with Furkan Korkmaz early in the fourth quarter.

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Rubbing salt into the wounds for the Wizards star, was an explosive run-in with a 76ers fan that came as Westbrook made his way down the tunnel towards the locker rooms.

The Sixers fan could be seen pouring popcorn on the injured player as he made his way off the court, prompting a furious response from Westbrook.

Security officials had to hold the star back as he gestured angrily towards the fan positioned in the stands above.

The incident sparked outrage on social media, with viewers slamming the Sixers supporter for the "disgraceful" show of disrespect, which subsequently saw him ejected from the stadium.

Simmons helps Sixers take 2-0 series lead

A spin move from Aussie Ben Simmons sent Westbrook sprawling to the floor several minutes before the leg injury that ruled him out of the contest.

With the Australian soaring and Westbrook ailing, the 76ers took advantage to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Game 3 is on Saturday night at Washington.

Simmons and Joel Embiid each scored 22 points and Tobias Harris added 19 for the top-seeded Sixers.

Simmons added nine rebounds and eight assists after becoming just the sixth player in NBA history to have at least 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a playoff game in a 125-118 win in Game 1.

The three-time All-Star still heard plenty of criticism in Philadelphia following that stellar performance because he only scored six points and missed all six of his free throws.

Simmons was aggressive from the start, scoring the team's first two baskets on his way to 12 points in the first quarter, including three dunks.

Seen here, Ben Simmons reacts with delight in the 76ers' Game 2 win over Washington.
Ben Simmons came up big for the 76ers in Game 2. Pic: Getty

Bradley Beal had 33 points and Westbrook finished with 10 points and 11 assists for Washington.

Embiid scored on a driving layup, got knocked to the floor and sank a free throw to complete a three-point play in the final minute of the second quarter. Dwight Howard led the crowd's chants of "M-V-P! M-V-P!" for Embiid, who raised both hands and soaked in the adoration.

The Sixers withstood 24 first-half points from Beal in the first half and led 71-57 at half-time. They maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half.

Pat Croce, who was team president when the Sixers reached the 2001 NBA Finals, fired up the fans when he rang the ceremonial bell to start the game.

They are 28-5 with Simmons, Embiid, Harris, Seth Curry and Danny Green in the starting lineup. The only downside was Curry leaving the game with left ankle soreness.

with AAP

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