Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram is expected to face a significant fine from the NBA after a moment of intense frustration on the bench led to him violently slamming a water bottle that subsequently struck a staff member during Saturday night’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The incident occurred during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. After being whistled for a questionable foul and then immediately hit with a delay-of-game technical foul, a visibly irate Ingram walked to the Raptors bench. Upon sitting down, the 28-year-old forward forcefully threw a plastic water bottle downward.
Video of the incident, which quickly circulated on social media, showed the bottle ricocheting up off the floor or bench area and directly striking a nearby staffer—variously reported as a towel boy or cameraman—in the process. The impact also sent water spraying over multiple individuals, including teammates and courtside media members.
Ingram remained seated as other staffers rushed to clean up the mess left on the sideline. The brief delay added to the Raptors’ mounting frustrations in a game they would eventually lose, 130-120. Ingram finished the game with 21 points.
While Ingram has not publicly commented on the incident, the NBA maintains a strict stance on player conduct toward arena and team personnel. His actions are expected to draw swift disciplinary action from the league office, likely in the form of a substantial fine, rather than a suspension.
The emotional outburst marks a rare public display of immaturity for the former All-Star, who is in his first full season with the Raptors after being acquired in a trade earlier this year.
