Cracking on the refs
BOSTON -- Whining about the officiating is a time-honored tradition in the playoffs. Lakers coach Phil Jackson is one of the best at it, usually with a subtle touch that makes it seem like he's not crabbing about the referees. He jabbed Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City for getting what Jackson believed to be superstar treatment from the refs. He took a shot at Steve Nash of Phoenix for carrying the ball. Boston coach Doc Rivers isn't as creative, labeling Derek Fisher a flopper. "What we all want is just consistency," Rivers said. "It's tough to get to that, but I think that's what everybody wants." Here's what I would like: for everyone to shut up and play. There's been way too much complaining in the Finals. Every call, every foul in particular, seems to provoke a demonstration. Fouls are up to an average of 53 per Finals game compared to 50.3 two seasons ago. The games have become tedious because of all the hacking. The protests and complaining only makes it worse. The referees aren't changing their minds, especially on fouls, so get over it.
Just watching Finals games (and not scientifically tracking calls), my perception is that this is the worst officiating I can remember in recent years. A few reasons:
1. Star players from both teams relegated to the bench because of foul trouble. R. Allen was neutralized in Game 1, Kobe neutralized in Game 2, Pierce neutralized in Game 3.
2. Way too many ticky-tack or touch fouls that lead to players getting in foul trouble and destroying the game's rythm.
3. Missed calls. During a well-called game, the refs should be invisible. But in far too many cases Van Gundy, Breen, and Jackson are remarking "bad call" or "that's not a foul."
4. Replays proving that the calls were missed and the calls subsequently overturned.