NBA: Ranking worst technical fouls by refs in the modern era
Synopsis
There have been times when the referee's scrutiny has gone beyond the head of the game itself. We look at the worst technical fouls in the modern era.
NBA: The basketball league game has gone through massive shifts in the modern era. Fans and experts often complain that the game has gone soft. This is because, over time, the referees have substantially increased scrutiny on the court. However, there have been times when the scrutiny has gone beyond the head of the game itself. We look at the worst technical fouls in the modern era.
#4 Chris Paul
Houston Rockets’ Chris Paul, while having possession, felt frustrated after the referee blew his whistle. He fake passed the ball, which riled up the referee. A technical foul was called on the Houston Rockets guard, and even Oklahoma City Thunder players were shocked by the decision.
#3 Jordan Poole
While playing for the Golden State Warriors against the OKC Thunder, Poole jumped in the air near the wing to collect the ball. But for some reason, the referee blew his whistle. This frustrated Poole as the momentum was broken. He passed the ball to the referee, after which the shooter was awarded a technical foul, resulting in him having to withdraw from the match.
#2 Russell Westbrook
While playing for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Sacramento Kings, Russell Westbrook scored a bucket and stared down at the opponent who was guarding him. This is one of the natural emotions after scoring points, but the referee blew the whistle and handed Westbrook a technical foul.
#1 Cade Cunningham
Cade drove to the paint and scored a bucket for the Detroit Pistons against the Phoenix Suns. Instantly after the dunk, Cade Cunningham pointed at his teammate. This is something we often see in football as well, where scorers point towards their teammates acknowledging them. But for Cade Cunningham, such an acknowledgment turned into something negative as the referee awarded a technical foul. Even the commentators on air were surprised and baffled by the decision.