NBA referee Zach Zarba has found himself at the center of a social media buzz after he was caught on camera appearing to dap up Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards during a playoff game on Tuesday night. The incident occurred midway through the third quarter of Game 2 of the Western Conference first-round matchup between the Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With the shot clock winding down, Edwards swatted away a last-second layup attempt from Suns guard Bradley Beal. As the play ended, cameras caught Zarba reaching out to give Edwards a high-five, a gesture that was met with surprise from both Edwards and his teammates.
Edwards had been struggling from the field up to that point, shooting just 1-of-7, but his defensive play seemed to ignite the Timberwolves. The home team went on an 8-0 run right after the block and closed out the third quarter with a 78-71 lead. The Timberwolves eventually went on to win the game 116-107, tying the series at 1-1.
Zarba’s decision to dap up Edwards during the game has sparked a debate on social media, with some criticizing the referee for what they perceive as a lack of impartiality. However, others have defended Zarba, arguing that he was simply showing appreciation for a good play. Regardless of the interpretation, the incident has certainly added a layer of intrigue to the already intense playoff series between the Timberwolves and the Suns. The two teams will face off again in Game 3 on Thursday night in Phoenix.
