Oh no, no, no! Say it ain’t so!

Toronto Raptors fan favourite Bismack Biyombo has had something of a coming-out party in these Eastern Conference Finals, vaccuming up 40 rebounds in his last two games.

Even bigger than the work he’s done on the glass, however, has been how he’s been protecting the Raptors basket, turning aside 2.2 Cleveland Cavaliers shots per game so far in the series, finishing each swat with a Dikembe Mutombo-like finger wag that he says he got permission to use from the Hall of Famer himself.

Or did he?

NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Catch Wednesday’s Game 5 between the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers live on Sportsnet and SN Now. Coverage kicks off at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT || TV Schedule

In an interview with TMZ Sports, Mutombo says he doesn’t remember actually giving Biyombo explicit permission, adding that he and the Raptors centre “need to talk.”

“He claims in the newspaper and everywhere he said I gave it to him,” Mutombo told TMZ Sports. “I said, Did I [give it]? Was it family? Was it a co-sign? But you know what, he’s a young man. I let him enjoy the fame. He’s making me famous.

“I will see him in the Congo this summer so him and I will talk back home with nobody around us.”

The video of the interview appeared to show that Mutombo was speaking with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek, but it is odd as Biyombo has gone on record saying Mutombo has allowed him to use the signature finger wag.

“I got the license from Mutombo,” Biyombo said after Game 3.

Not according to the man himself, but it’s probably all good as the two appear to share a good relationship, not to mention Biyombo has been doing his elder countryman’s legacy very proud of late.

“I love him, he’s like my big brother,” Biyombo said of Mutombo. “I’ve had several conversations about him, especially defensively, how he was able to impact the game, 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.”

The Raptors play the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Wednesday where they will likely be relying on Toronto’s latest folk hero’s trademark blend of toughness on the glass, excellent shot-block timing and maybe-maybe-not stolen finger wagging once again.