Mutombo doesn't remember giving Biyombo permission to finger-wag

Bismack Biyombo's meteoric ascent - from unpolished reserve to explosive starting center for a team that's two games from the Finals - has been punctuated at nearly every turn by a familiar celebratory taunt.

Each time he's stymied an opponent at the rim this postseason, the Toronto Raptors' Congolese big man has busted out the finger wag made famous by his Hall-of-Fame countryman, Dikembe Mutombo.

"I got the licence from Mutombo," Biyombo said after blocking four shots in the Raptors' Game 3 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.

Mutombo, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner who ranks second all time in blocks, doesn't quite remember issuing said license.

"I saw his interview the other day on ESPN, when he said that I gave him the permission," Mutombo told TMZ Sports. "I don't know when that conversation took place.

"I don't know. Him and I need to talk this summer."

Mutombo was full of mirth, lest his good-natured ribbing be mistaken for real animosity.

"I'll let him enjoy the fame," Mutombo concluded. "Hey, he's making me famous."

In an interview with The Toronto Star's Chris O'Leary back in November, Mutombo referred to himself as Biyombo's big brother.

Biyombo said the same thing after his podium game on Saturday.

"I love (Mutombo), he's like my big brother, and I've had several conversations about him, especially defensively, how he was able to impact the game," Biyombo explained. "And of course, once he gave me permission to use his finger wag, then I guess I just want to live his legacy, and to show him some love as my big brother."

That last bit, the subject of this present confusion, will have to be settled between brothers.

"I will see him in the Congo this summer," Mutombo said. "So him and I will talk, back home, with nobody around us."