Bulls' Joakim Noah fined $25,000 for pushing fan during Game 2 vs. Cavs

Bulls center Joakim Noah was fined $25,000 for pushing a fan as he walked off the Quicken Loans Arena court in Cleveland during Game 2 against the Cavaliers.

CHICAGO—The NBA reached into Joakim Noah's pocket after the Bulls center reached into the crowd to push a fan during Game 2. 

The league fined Noah $25,000 after he pushed a fan during halftime of Chicago's 106–91 loss to Cleveland at Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday night.

The incident occurred as Noah walked down the tunnel to Chicago's locker room. The male fan appeared to say something to Noah, who turned around and pushed the fan with his right arm while continuing to leave the court.

Comcast SportsNet Chicago reported that Noah said he was spit on by a Cleveland fan during Game 2. Noah also reportedly exchanged words with Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones, who was in attendance and recognized on the Jumbotron during Game 2. Jones later wrote on Twitter that Noah needed to, "watch yo mouth."

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau declined comment regarding the incident and fine, telling reporters before Game 3 against the Cavaliers at the United Center on Friday that he wasn't aware of the details.

This is not Noah's first fine-worthy interaction with a fan. Noah was previously fined $50,000 when he directed a homophobic slur towards a Heat fan during the 2011 playoffs.

The Heat/Bulls rivalry also led to a 2013 incident in which Noah was famously flipped off by a female Heat fan as he exited the court following an ejection.

• MORE NBA: Schedule | Grades | Awards | Playoff coverage | Finals picks

Noah, 30, is averaging 5.4 points and 10.8 rebounds during the playoffs.