NBA Hall of Famer questions ‘unwritten rule’ that teams that have big leads shouldn’t shoot at end of games

Hall of Fame guard Isiah Thomas questioned Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schroder for his push of Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley late in the Timberwolves’ win over Brooklyn on Saturday.

Conley shot a 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter to avoid a shot-clock violation with the Timberwolves already having the game in hand. He made the shot, but as he attempted the 3-pointer, Schroder ran up and shoved the veteran guard.

The Nets guard seemed to be unhappy that Conley attempted a shot rather than simply taking the shot-clock violation turnover since the Wolves had already clinched the game.

That led to a small skirmish between the two teams where Jaden McDaniels made sure to push Schroder away from Conley in what seemed to be an attempt to keep the situation from escalating.

Thomas questioned Schroder’s actions on social media.

It’s a fair point from the Hall of Fame guard, as there was nothing stopping the Nets and Schroder from playing defense on the possession to avoid giving up such an easy look for Conley.

It’s possible that Schroder was simply frustrated that his team was facing a loss and allowed his emotions to get the best of him. Still, Thomas didn’t seem to think his actions were necessary.

Conley is one of the longer-tenured players in the NBA, and he’s certainly been on the other side of losses like this in his time in the league. It didn’t seem like his shot attempt was put up with any ill intent of rubbing things in against Brooklyn.

Regardless, the Timberwolves picked up another win to further their spot at the top of the Western Conference standings. Conley finished the game with 14 points, three rebounds and three assists for Minnesota.

Schroder finished the game with nine points, two assists and rebound for the Nets.

Hopefully, both Schroder and Conley don’t hold any ill will towards each other going forward. Saturday’s game was the final meeting between Brooklyn and Minnesota in the regular season.