From Westbrook to Beverley The origin of the “Too Small” celebration gesture – NBA – Basketball | Sports Vision

On one of Patrick Beverley’s first possessions as he signed a new contract with the 76ers, Beverley drove into the lane and scored over 6-foot-6 Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown. Then, we saw Beverley taking steps, leaning down, extending his left arm to the floor, his hand level with the ground, and slowly crossed the Celtics’ home logo.

Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds, Beverley is usually the smallest player on the court, but Beverley often makes the “Too Small” taunting gesture and is always accompanied by a roar, showing his arrogance without concealment.

When asked about this type of gesture, Beverley responded: “I’m always involved in the game and it’s just a way for me to express my emotions, so I can’t say when I would do something like this, after all, it’s always Showed up unexpectedly.”

Beverley’s gesture meant more than a simple, one-off provocation. “Too Small” has long been the most common and funniest taunt in the basketball world. “Too Small” has not only become the preferred celebration for NBA players, ranging from 6-foot-tall guards to 7-foot-tall men, but it has also gradually penetrated into the basketball field. Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. and his teammates have also used this gesture to celebrate.

In addition, “Too Small” has also been used in the NFL. Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson was fined $10,927 for unsportsmanlike conduct after celebrating a touchdown with “Too Small” during a game against the Carolina Panthers.

Although Beverley claims he was just being honest, some “Too Small” enthusiasts in the NBA may have other intentions. They certainly want to be the league’s brightest spot, and a celebration like this does provide an opportunity to showcase that.

When it comes to how “Too Small” was born, we should turn back time to a certain game on January 13, 2018. Halfway through the second quarter, Russell Westbrook saw a thin rookie guard guarding him, and his eyes instantly revealed murderous intent. Then we saw that Charlotte Hornets rookie Malik Monk could only let the player who had just played the season before Jia Mian is at the mercy of MVP Westbrook.

Westbrook pointed to the other side of the court with his left thumb, telling his two teammates to get out of the way. He wanted to have a one-on-one confrontation with the newcomer.

Russell Westbrook took only three dribbles to force Monk near the paint and deceive the rookie with a fake move. Although Monk tried his best to avoid physical contact, the whistle still reminded him that this was a 2+1.

After the buzzer sounded, Westbrook strode across the three-point line. Suddenly, Westbrook placed his right hand parallel to the ground and held it below his waist. “He is Too Small!” Westbrook shouted over and over again.

Since that classic moment, the “Too Small” taunt has spread like a virus throughout the basketball circle.

Westbrook mentioned the initial inspiration during the Los Angeles Clippers’ media day. “As a guard, I usually have an advantage,” he said with a smile. “I rarely encounter people in my position who guard me, so when they do, I have to punish them.”

“Too Small” and similar taunts are beloved by players of all shapes and sizes throughout the league. What’s interesting is that Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is seven feet tall, is also a fan of “Too Small”. When he begins to track back, he often celebrates his breakthrough by placing his hands parallel to the ground, usually near his hips. Sometimes, to emphasize the point, Antetokounmpo will deliberately lean his tall frame forward and place his hands below his knees.

Kevin Durant, who stands nearly 7 feet tall, has his own version of this taunt. Sometimes when we see KD score in front of a player who is not tall enough to interfere with his shot, he will pinch his fingers about an inch apart.

Despite being only 6-foot-6, Zion Williamson has one of the most explosive leaps and muscles in the league. He always frequently flexes his biceps with one arm. In comparison, other players’ bodies can only be described as “Too Small.”

A big man might send a “Too Small” warning to the opposing bench after punishing a smaller guard—a message that suggests this defensive tactic is considered disrespectful.

“Sometimes I do it just to get my teammates or the crowd involved. Because these little gestures can stir up their emotions and change the direction of the game,” Zion told ESPN.

Let’s bring the topic back to Beverley, the long-time controversial guard who flashed the “Too Small” sign after driving past Chris Paul in a game in December.