If an official calls a technical foul, what is the result for the opposing team?

When an official calls a technical foul, the opposing team is awarded two free throws. This rule serves as a punitive measure against unsportsmanlike behavior, such as illegal bench conduct or arguing calls, and ensures that the penalized team faces immediate consequences. Following the free throws, the team that received the technical foul typically retains possession of the ball, which reinforces the penalty.

The other options do not reflect the correct consequences of a technical foul. For instance, the loss of possession of the ball does not occur as the penalized team does not lose the ball due to their technical foul; they do, however, have to face the free throws and subsequent possession penalty where relevant. Timeout rules are also unaffected by the calling of a technical foul, as timeouts are allocated based on game management rather than fouls. The shot clock remains operational and uninterrupted during this process, solidifying that the two free throws are the primary consequence for the opposing team.