NBA official asks Mavericks’ Theo Pinson to change shirt before game

On May 23, 2022

The Dallas Mavericks’ bench has been a point of contention in the Western Conference Finals, and the latest issue surrounds Theo Pinson’s white shirt.

Before Dallas‘ 109-100 loss to the Golden State Warriors Sunday night, referee Marc Davis went up to Pinson and asked if Pinson would change his white shirt.

Pinson, who was not playing and wearing civilian clothes, appeared to be confused at first and then Davis explained that because the Warriors were wearing their white jerseys, Pinson’s wearing his could lead to confusion for players in the game.

“Hey, do me a favor,” Davis said. “This is crazy. Can you change your shirt? Will you do that for me?”

Pinson then said he would and when Davis said he appreciated it, Pinson asked why.

“Because it’s the same color as them and you’re going to be in the way,” Davis explained. “I’ll even buy it for you.”

Davis then appeared to use a joke to deflect the situation, saying “this don’t match anyway,” seemingly in reference to the shirt going with the rest of the outfit.

“All right,” Pinson said, “if you buy it for me.”

Though he said he would, Pinson did not comply with Davis’ request. Pinson is dealing with a finger injury and has not played in the conference finals.

Because teams alternate the sides of the court where they play offense during the game depending on the half, Golden State went through its offense on the same side as the Mavericks bench. Sunday night, because most of the Dallas players on the bench were available substitutes, they wore team-issued, blue shirts, making Pinson stand out.

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