NEW YORK – The Heat's LeBron James won the NBA's MVP award for his basketball abilities, but the league isn't so impressed with his acting prowess.
James was fined $5,000 on Thursday morning for violating the NBA's anti-flopping rules in the fourth quarter of Tuesday night's playoff game vs. the Pacers.
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The incident occurred when James and Pacers forward David West jockeyed for position under the basket during an Indiana possession. West backed into LeBron who then went spiraling down onto the hardwood court.
West was also fined $5,000 for the flopping incident in Game 4. Indiana's Lance Stephenson was fined $5,000 for flopping in the first quarter.
The NBA has spent all season cracking down on flopping by its players who attempt to create foul situations by "overacting" following various hits during games. On Monday, James said that he sees the benefits of flopping and believes it is just another way to gain an advantage over your opponent.
Miami hosts the Pacers in Game 5 of their NBA Playoff series on Thursday night at the American Airlines Arena with the series tied at 2-2.