NBA reviewing Howard's use of sticky substance on hands

ATLANTA – The NBA is reviewing Dwight Howard's use of a sticky substance on his hands in Houston's loss at the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

Atlanta's Paul Millsap complained about the ball while shooting two free throws with 3:36 remaining in the first quarter. Howard made a layup with 4:04 remaining.

"I've never felt the ball like that ever," Millsap told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "It was sticky. It was like super glue or something was on there. I couldn't get it off my hands. It was the weirdest thing ever."

Referees gave warnings to each bench and then approached the scorer's table, where they were directed to a can covered with white tape. The can was taken off the table and one of the officials told the scorer to alert him if it was seen again.

There was no penalty issued during the game, but a league spokesman said Saturday night's incident is under review.