After making the block, Hansen gestured to the spectators with a finger wag as a celebratory move.
This display of momentum was crucial, especially when playing in an away game or facing a stronger team.
Previously, when the Grizzlies played against the Spurs, Hansen's 20 consecutive points in Game 1 allowed the Grizzlies to seize the momentum from the very start.
However, while Hansen was wagging his finger, he immediately received a warning whistle from the referee.
Initially, the NBA banned players from wagging their fingers because it was considered too provocative toward the opponents.
But in 2007, the League relaxed this rule: as long as the gesture wasn't directed at a player, it wouldn't result in a technical foul.
Despite this, as Hansen just experienced, while it might not attract a technical foul, a warning whistle is inevitable.
This is the flexibility of officiating, one of the critical responsibilities of the referee is to prevent conflicts on the court.
