Shooter Looses Ball
 

Our morning pick-up games self-officiate via throat clearing. The louder the throat clearing, the more obvious the violation.

I was airborne - by a good 10-12 millimeters - taking my shot, when my defender tipped the ball out of my hands. I recovered the ball whilst still airborne, landed, and started a dribble which lead to a layup. Suddenly, my defender starts gagging like he's going to drop unconcious. I explained that since the ball was tipped clear of my possession, I did not violate.

Should my defender see an ears, nose, and throat specialist?

You were right. No violation.