The New Orleans Pelicans began an incredible 24-point return on Saturday afternoon to beat the Boston Celtics 120-115 in overtime. Although the end of the game was somewhat marred by incessant reviews, it was still a brilliant performance from some of the league’s youngest stars.
Unfortunately, the actual game on the court was not the only story from this one. JJ Redick’s odd expulsion early in the fourth quarter also attracts a lot of attention for all the wrong reasons.
With the first possession of the fourth quarter, Redick got a technical foul because he complained. Pretty standard stuff. It was the next trip through the floor where things got really weird. Redick tried to drive to the basket and was committed by Celtics rookie Aaron Nesmith. He then turned the ball back to the ref, and immediately got a second technical and shot.
Redick could not believe what was happening, and even the broadcasters were confused and suggested that Redick should have said something to deserve the exit. However, it turns out that this was not the problem at all. The referee believed Redick had thrown the ball too hard at him, say after the game that the technical was issued to ‘throw the ball in the direction of an officer by force’.
Was this now the softest throw of all time? It’s clearly not. Redick was clearly still frustrated and put a little more into the turn than he probably should have. But was it something that deserved an expulsion? It’s clearly not. The only reason it hit the ref on his leg is because he did not look. If he was ready for the ball, he would be able to catch it easily and then there would be no problem.
The good news for Redick anyway was that the Pelicans managed to get away with the win, so this incident ultimately did not cost his team. Still, it’s a little unfortunate that it takes away a fun game.