The Clippers-Grizzlies first-round series may be the most physical series of the playoffs thus far. With Blake Griffin and L.A. enforcer Reggie Evans battling Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol down low, it's not hard to understand how there have been 19 technical fouls called through five games. But late in the second quarter of Game 6 on Friday night, the officials may have been too used to making the "T" hand gesture and called a technical foul for well, nobody really knows.
On a fast break, Evans received a pass in the paint from Griffin and drew a foul on Quincy Pondexter. With an opportunity to tie the game at 38 with two free throws, Evans gave Griffin a high-five before making his way to the free throw line.
Not so fast. Referee Marc Davis immediately called a technical foul on Evans, causing mass confusion among Clippers players, the fans and perhaps even the Grizzlies (of course, they weren't going to complain).
Griffin tried to plead with another official, explaining that he and Evans simply high-fived, but to no avail.
Even ESPN announcers Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy were perplexed.
"Where's the technical?" Breen asked emphatically while watching the replay.
Let this be a message for all NBA players. Laughing on the bench, wet willies and high-fives might earn you technicals.