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Raptors' Fred VanVleet fined $15,000 for 'obscene gesture' during win over 76ers

Fred VanVleet’s celebration on Thursday night has cost him.

The Toronto Raptors star was fined $15,000 by the league on Friday for an “obscene gesture” he made near the end of their 115-109 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

With less than 30 seconds left in Thursday’s win, VanVleet drilled a corner 3-pointer to put the Raptors up 113-109 — something that eventually led them to the six-point win.

As he ran back down the court toward the Raptors bench for a timeout, he hit the classic “Big Balls” dance.

To add to the moment, VanVleet actually hit the move in front of Sam Cassell — the dance’s creator and current 76ers assistant coach.

VanVleet led the Raptors with 32 points and seven assists in the win while shooting 6-of-11 from behind the arc. The 27-year-old, who is in his sixth season in the league with the Raptors, is averaging 19.7 points and 7.1 assists per game.

While the celebration has become incredibly popular across the sports world, the league doesn’t hesitate to fine players for the move. It’s been doing so for nearly a decade now.

But considering the Raptors got the win, and the fact that he executed it perfectly, it’s hard to think VanVleet is too upset about the fine.