The Toronto Raptors released a statement on Friday afternoon announcing the one-game suspension of forward Serge Ibaka following an altercation with a team staff member.
Serge Ibaka will miss one game for a violation of team rules that involves “an altercation between Ibaka and a Raptors staff member.” The incident in question reportedly came after Wednesday’s loss to Oklahoma City, in which Ibaka scored just seven points and grabbed two rebounds.
Oklahoma City outscored Toronto by 21 points over the final three quarters of Wednesday’s game on national television. They entered the contest having won 12 of 14 games, at one point reaching the top of the Eastern Conference.
He will miss Friday night’s home game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Team president Masai Ujiri said in the team’s statement that Ibaka and the staff member involved have each apologized, and the team “won’t be discussing it any further.” Ibaka has missed three games this season.
Ujiri also said that the team is focused on moving forward with Ibaka in the lineup following his suspension.
The veteran forward signed a three-year extension with the team in July, following Toronto’s trade for him and consequent playoff run. He has averaged 14 points and six rebounds since joining the Raptors.
Ibaka played seven seasons in Oklahoma City prior to his departure in 2016, when he was initially traded to the Magic. He joined Toronto at that season’s trade deadline, when the team dealt forward Terrence Ross and a first-round selection for him.
Next: New Year's resolutions for all 30 NBA teams
Ibaka will rejoin Toronto’s lineup on New Year’s Day, when the team plays the Milwaukee Bucks at home.