Watch: Markelle Fultz's shoelace stunt brings shades of J.R. Smith's 2014 antics

The stunt brings back shades of J.R. Smith and his shoelace rampage in 2014, which resulted in a $50,000 fine.

Fultz's trickery failed to trip up, or get in the head of Ross, as the 11th-year pro sank both of his free throws to account for the final points in the 116-113 final.

While Ross and Fultz didn't seem to be in a joking mood at the time of the incident (perhaps given the nail-biting finish), the pair at least have some sort of personal relationship. They were teammates with the Magic for four years from Fultz's trade to Orlando in February 2019 up until Ross' departure last month.

Both players, ironically, also played college basketball at the University of Washington, though Fultz's lone season with the Huskies was four years after Ross wrapped his career with the program.

Thursday was the first matchup between the Magic and Suns since Ross was waived in February, so perhaps, Fultz was simply interested in messing around with his longtime teammate.