Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Jaden McDaniels was given a technical foul for shoving Oklahoma City Thunder guard (and NBA MVP) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during Thursday's Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference Finals.
It happened with 6:14 remaining in the fourth quarter with the Thunder leading 102-86. McDaniels seemed frustrated that SGA grabbed his arm while dribbling around him near midcourt without a call from the referee. SGA continued to dribble down the court, and McDaniels lost his cool and shoved him in the back. SGA fell to the ground and the officials blew the whistle.
This is not the way to make your case to the officials. McDaniels was given a flagrant-1, which seems consistent with penalties for similar plays in the past where players shove an opponent.
McDaniels stayed in the game and finished with 22 points, but the T-Wolves were unable to rally as the Thunder won the game 118-103 to take a 2-0 lead in the series. SGA led all scorers with 38 points and also had 8 assists.
[ESPN]
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
