Because, in that situation, everyone in the building knows he's asking for a TO and why. He's usually screaming "TIMEOUT!" You have no choice but to grant it. Also, for all I know, he's aware that he doesn't have any timeouts remaining but he still wants one.
BTW, it wouldn't have mattered with Chris Webber. We had him double-teamed in the corner, Heels up by 2, just a few seconds left. I like our chances!
