Malik Monk ran onto the court to celebrate Jeremy Lamb’s game-winner last night.
One problem: The game wasn’t over.
Lamb’s jumper put the Hornets up two with 0.3 seconds left, and the Pistons were trying to inbound. Officials called a technical foul, and Detroit made the free throw. But Charlotte still held on for the 108-107 win.
The situation created a few tense moments, though. While officials reviewed the play, Hornets owner Michael Jordan playfully slapped the back of Monk’s head a couple times.
Zach Aldridge of WCCB:
#Hornets owner Michael Jordan wasn't too happy with Malik Monk after he ran onto the court before the game was over and got called for a technical 😭😂@WCCBCharlotte pic.twitter.com/575UlSeZNz
— Zach Aldridge (@wzaldridge) December 13, 2018
I’ll be honest: I wasn’t sure those slaps were playful until Jordan and Monk smiled afterward. Jordan is an intense competitor. He once punched then-Bulls teammate Steve Kerr in the face during practice. I bet there was an element of actual warning behind Jordan’s slaps, even if they were mostly joking.
Why did only Monk receive the treatment? He drew the most attention for running onto the court – but just because he stayed at least somewhat near the bench. Bismack Biyombo was practically at halfcourt! Ashley Holder:
Here’s Jeremy Lamb’s 3 pointer to put the #Hornets up 2. You can see Malik Monk run on the court in excitement. Results in a tech. pic.twitter.com/niyHXm2B4C
— Ashly Holder (@AshNoelleTV) December 13, 2018
It’s amazing Biyombo escaped the owner’s wrath. Does Jordan know how much he’s paying Biyombo?
