NEW YORK (AP) — Brooklyn Nets forward Paul Pierce has been fined $15,000 for his flagrant foul on George Hill of the Pacers.

Pierce was ejected in the third quarter of Indiana's 103-86 win Monday. George Hill stole a bad pass and was going in for a layup, and Pierce hustled back and appeared to be trying to wrap him up. But his arm ended up going around Hill's neck for a clothesline tackle.

Referees ruled it a flagrant 2 after review, an automatic ejection. The NBA said Tuesday that Pierce made "excessive and unnecessary contact."

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