NBA Mechanic? crossed wrist clapping?

[btaylor64]

Originally Posted by Jimgolf

I was watching an NBA game the other day, and with 23.5 seconds on the game clock and about 15 on the shot clock, the trailing official gave a signal to the other two officials that I haven't seen before. After crossing the midcourt line, he started chopping one wrist over the other, (almost like clapping), with both hands in fists, 6 or seven times. I've never noticed this mechanic before and was wondering what it meant. My guess was something to do with the shot clock being turned off after the possession ended.

Jim,
that mechanic signifies to the crew that the opposing team has a foul to give, and for them to be cognizant of it and that the defense may want to take a foul. Hope that helps.

P.S. All Heart,

The NBA doesn't use the "point at your wrist watch" signal. They indicate under 1 minute (or under 2 in the 4th) by putting their hand over their head, but not patting it like a shot clock violation signal.

[mick]

Originally Posted by btaylor64

The NBA doesn't use the "point at your wrist watch" signal. They indicate under 1 minute (or under 2 in the 4th) by putting their hand over their head, but not patting it like a shot clock violation signal.

I wonder why they do that. It would seem that, at that level and at the college level, all officials would know the time left.

[Mark Dexter]

Originally Posted by mick

I wonder why they do that. It would seem that, at that level and at the college level, all officials would know the time left.

They should (and usually do), but signaling helps keep everyone on the same page for that one time in a thousand when someone's asleep at the switch.

[mick]

Originally Posted by Mark Dexter

They should (and usually do), but signaling helps keep everyone on the same page for that one time in a thousand when someone's asleep at the switch.

Ya think?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by mick

I wonder why they do that. It would seem that, at that level and at the college level, all officials would know the time left.

It's also a reminder to be sure the clock stops on a made basket.

[All_Heart]

Originally Posted by btaylor64

P.S. All Heart,

The NBA doesn't use the "point at your wrist watch" signal. They indicate under 1 minute (or under 2 in the 4th) by putting their hand over their head, but not patting it like a shot clock violation signal.

I saw Steve Javie doing this specific signal with probably 25 seconds left in the quarter in the Detroit/Atlanta game on Sunday.

It was specifically the 2 fingers tapping the wrist signal. The camera was zoomed in on him because he was next to the coach.

Maybe he was telling his crew that it was time to get the heck out of there and get a drink.