Jazz Coach Will Hardy Reflects On One Of The Weirdest Technical Fouls In NBA History

In one of the more bizarre moments in NBA history, this one definitely deserves a spot on Shaqtin’ A Fool. During the November 16 double-overtime thriller between the Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls, the Jazz received a technical foul for something most teams would consider good housekeeping: their ball boys wiping up a pool of floor sweat too quickly.

Late in the fourth quarter, with the Jazz clinging to a three-point lead, Bulls forward Kevin Huerter took a tumble near halfcourt and slid across the floor. A pair of Jazz court attendants did exactly what they're trained to do: they hit the floor and mopped up the sweat to prevent someone from slipping. However, official Marc Davis didn't appreciate their efficiency. He blew his whistle for a delay of the game, which was Utah's second such violation. Chicago received a free technical throw.

Will Hardy's reaction was immediate and, to say the least, colorful. The Jazz coach unleashed a string of F-bombs toward the officials that went viral on social media. His frustration was understandable. “Get the f*** out of here,” Hardy told the officials. “Get the f*** out of here. The ballboy wiping up sweat just got a delay of game? That’s f***ing bull****.”  Hardy later took a more professional tone, saying he didn't want to comment further because "Christmas is coming" and he couldn't afford to give the league any more money in fines.

The incident highlights one of basketball's stranger gray areas. Teams need clean, safe courts, but apparently, there's a difference between being helpful and being too helpful. The ball boys' apparent crime was not waiting for official permission before doing what they are expected to do, even though a whistle had been blown and the play was dead. 

Ultimately, Utah pulled out a wild 150–147 double-overtime victory led by Lauri Markkanen's 47 points and Keyonte George's game-winner. But the game would be overshadowed by Hardy's justified rage at a call that seemed more like an official on a power trip and a moment that would be etched in “misplays of the night” history.