Chris Paul sure unlocked something when he practically forced officials to call delay of game on Timberwolves big Jordan Bell.
That got the Thunder a free throw that went a long way toward beating Minnesota. But it also annoyed referees, who didn’t like Paul dictating terms.
They got revenge in Oklahoma City’s next game, calling two delay-of-game penalties on the Thunder. Paul mocked the latter call by Brian Forte, yelling, “He’s trying to prove a f— point. Trying to prove a point. You’re going to be on SportsCenter tonight. Good job.”
Now, it’s Tony Brothers’ turn in the delay-of-game spotlight.
He called one on Elfrid Payton, who was adjusting his jersey tuck while entering last night’s Knicks-Nuggets game. The first delay of game carries just a warning, and New York didn’t get another. But Brothers explained his call to a bewildered Payton:
“Y’all thank Chris Paul for that.”
I don’t mind referees cracking down on delay-of-game violations. If they’re worth putting in the rulebook, they should be followed.
But doing it as backlash to Chris Paul is just childish.
