NBA Mechanic? crossed wrist clapping?
 

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.

I haven't seen our heard of this signal. Was it the "point at your wrist watch" signal indicating time?

As long as they don't get into toe tapping, I'm OK with it. http://www.runemasterstudios.com/gra...ges/toetap.gif

It's a tribute to Tim Donaghy. It signifies slapping the handcuffs on. :rolleyes:

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.

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. http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/fr...smiley-013.gif

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.

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. :)

Ya think?

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

I thought the signal was to remind the other officials to make sure their watches were still in their lockers when they got back to the dressing room.

Only when Donaghey was on staff.