Bamba suspended 4 games, Rivers given 3-game ban for on-court scuffle

Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Austin Rivers have been suspended for four and three games, respectively, following their on-court altercation during Friday's matchup, the league announced Saturday.

Magic guard Jalen Suggs also received a one-game ban for aggressively grabbing Rivers by the neck during the skirmish between both teams.

Bamba and Rivers suddenly began throwing punches at each other in the third quarter Friday after the latter approached the Magic bench and appeared to say something to Bamba, who was not playing at the time. In response, Bamba quickly rose from his seat and grabbed the Timberwolves veteran as their confrontation spilled out onto the court. The two then exchanged blows as teammates, coaches, and referees quickly rushed in.

Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels, who was ejected in the fight's aftermath alongside Bamba, Rivers, Suggs, and teammate Taurean Prince, received a $20,000 fine for rushing in and pushing Bamba from behind. The league did not discipline Prince Saturday.

Following their ejections, Bamba and Rivers had another incident outside the locker rooms, during which the Magic big "aggressively shoved a security representative," according to the NBA. After finally being physically separated for good, Bamba and Rivers continued feuding through social media.

Rivers told reporters after the contest that tensions began brewing over Bamba's trash-talk about Rivers for multiple plays before the scuffle. He refused to disclose the exact comments, but the Timberwolves guard said that was his reason for approaching the Magic center when Bamba suddenly stood up and struck him, sparking the dust-up.