2021-22 Celtics Playoffs Discussion

[Phantom255x]

So I was talking with my dad in the car today. My parents are convinced the NBA is rigging these games to make sure the series goes longer. Like they weren't surprised to see the Heat win Game 3, then the C's in a blowout Game 4, and then the Heat winning yesterday even with the odds against them. Because if those outcomes were changed, the series probably would have ended in just 5 games if say, Boston took both Games 3 and 4 (or Miami did).

The NBA wanted this to go 7 games and honestly, seeing how the refs called it last night does anyone really doubt that? My parents even think the C's will win by double digits tomorrow and that the refs will "let them play". Since the other series ended in 5, this one needed to go 6+ but also, Golden State probably could have easily swept Dallas but GSW basically got blown out from the start in Game 4. My dad thinks something was going on there too lol so that there'd be at least a Game 5.

Game 3 of the C's-Bucks series was also one where the C's got screwed by the refs, and losing that game probably is a big reason the series went to 7 games as well ultimately.

I don't think my parents are entirely wrong tbh. I think people here have been speculating the same thing, the NBA is a rigged league that's superstar and ratings driven even more so than other sports. Boston is a big market and so having an extra game involving them or something would help ratings and revenue. Same for other big cities (Miami, LA, NY, etc.). The refs also play a part in that.

[SparzWizard]

So I was talking with my dad in the car today. My parents are convinced the NBA is rigging these games to make sure the series goes longer. Like they weren't surprised to see the Heat win Game 3, then the C's in a blowout Game 4, and then the Heat winning yesterday even with the odds against them. Because if those outcomes were changed, the series probably would have ended in just 5 games if say, Boston took both Games 3 and 4 (or Miami did).

The NBA wanted this to go 7 games and honestly, seeing how the refs called it last night does anyone really doubt that? My parents even think the C's will win by double digits tomorrow and that the refs will "let them play". Since the other series ended in 5, this one needed to go 6+ but also, Golden State probably could have easily swept Dallas but GSW basically got blown out from the start in Game 4. My dad thinks something was going on there too lol so that there'd be at least a Game 5.

Game 3 of the C's-Bucks series was also one where the C's got screwed by the refs, and losing that game probably is a big reason the series went to 7 games as well ultimately.

I don't think my parents are entirely wrong tbh. I think people here have been speculating the same thing, the NBA is a rigged league that's superstar and ratings driven even more so than other sports. Boston is a big market and so having an extra game involving them or something would help ratings and revenue. Same for other big cities (Miami, LA, NY, etc.). The refs also play a part in that.

We already know there's a lot of riggings going on. NBA ain't gonna call clean games. They do it based on their own private agendas, whatever the commissioner orders. Yesterday's game alone prob made over $20M revenue so Adam Silver must be jumping for joy right now lol. The ones who suffer the most are fans because they're fans of the basketball team and emotions get riled up when they win/lose.

C's wouldn't have to go 7 games against the Bucks had that controversial ending didn't happen in Game 3. C's wouldn't have to go 6 or 7 games had they properly beaten the Heat in Game 3.

[Big333223]

Honestly, some of those calls last night make it hard for me to feel like it isn't rigged. I had two non-Celtic basketball fans message me after the game asking me how upset I was about all the terrible calls.

That said, Tatum was 9/12 from the floor an 8/8 from the line last night. Brown was 6/13 and 7/9. The team has to figure out how to get its best scorers the ball more and not just dribbling 30 feet from the basket. Now, Tatum also had 7 to's (4 for Brown) so maybe getting the the ball on the move will help with that as well.

[Neurotic Guy]

So I was talking with my dad in the car today. My parents are convinced the NBA is rigging these games to make sure the series goes longer. Like they weren't surprised to see the Heat win Game 3, then the C's in a blowout Game 4, and then the Heat winning yesterday even with the odds against them. Because if those outcomes were changed, the series probably would have ended in just 5 games if say, Boston took both Games 3 and 4 (or Miami did).

The NBA wanted this to go 7 games and honestly, seeing how the refs called it last night does anyone really doubt that? My parents even think the C's will win by double digits tomorrow and that the refs will "let them play". Since the other series ended in 5, this one needed to go 6+ but also, Golden State probably could have easily swept Dallas but GSW basically got blown out from the start in Game 4. My dad thinks something was going on there too lol so that there'd be at least a Game 5.

Game 3 of the C's-Bucks series was also one where the C's got screwed by the refs, and losing that game probably is a big reason the series went to 7 games as well ultimately.

I don't think my parents are entirely wrong tbh. I think people here have been speculating the same thing, the NBA is a rigged league that's superstar and ratings driven even more so than other sports. Boston is a big market and so having an extra game involving them or something would help ratings and revenue. Same for other big cities (Miami, LA, NY, etc.). The refs also play a part in that.

We already know there's a lot of riggings going on. NBA ain't gonna call clean games. They do it based on their own private agendas, whatever the commissioner orders. Yesterday's game alone prob made over $20M revenue so Adam Silver must be jumping for joy right now lol. The ones who suffer the most are fans because they're fans of the basketball team and emotions get riled up when they win/lose.

C's wouldn't have to go 7 games against the Bucks had that controversial ending didn't happen in Game 3. C's wouldn't have to go 6 or 7 games had they properly beaten the Heat in Game 3.

If I believed the NBA was rigged, I wouldn't watch.   That doesn't mean that I think there aren't bad calls and that sometimes those calls have an influence on who wins and loses.  If the bad calls go in a direction that supports the argument of lengthening series' or favoring a team that will produce more revenue then that's "proof" to those who think it's rigged.   The C's losses in this series were due to an abominable quarter in G1, and abominable quarter in G3, and being generally outplayed in by a team who had the best player on the court in G6.  Nonetheless, the C's still could have won -- but they weren't good enough over the last 2 minutes.  But that's why we have a G7 on Sunday.

I'm not saying I know you're wrong or that Phantom's dad is wrong, I'm just saying I don't really see it.  And I especially can't picture just how the order gets generated from Adam Silver.  Is it in code?  How many people are in the pipeline?  How many engage in the conspiracy on a daily basis?  And reporters aren't interested in blowing the lid off this -- or are they on the take as well?   Too many people involved and too much cost at risk to "rig" the games.  Maybe it's an unspoken truth amongst refs to try to extend series’... maybe..., but all the millions you are talking about for extending a series are resting on trust that the very people who are willing to be dishonest in their daily work will then be "honorable" and not reveal the truth.

[MarcusSmartFanClub]

I agree and think this is a conspiracy theory. I’ve only read this sort of thing on blogs. I’ve talked to a decent amount of people and they think that the refs have sucked, but none of them have been willing to take the extra step and say that the NBA games are rigged.

If the NBA is rigged, I’m out. Yes, it will suck, but I’m not watching scripted basketball. Adam Silver knows this, and the reputation of the league is too important so that they can make extra $. I don’t think the idea makes much sense.

[Billz401]

I just read that Miami was fined $25k for multiple bench rules violations throughout the game last night. One being a Smart 3pt attempt where 3 heat bench players were on the court inches behind Smart. Another for Lowry and an assistant coach on the court for a late Horford 3pt attempt which I brought up in the game thread. Lowry jumped towards big Al flailing his arms essentially contesting the shot.

IMO thats complete BS and there shouldve been a technical foul and possession awarded to the celtics. 

Mavs were also fined during their series but i believe it was over $100k

[kraidstar]

So I was talking with my dad in the car today. My parents are convinced the NBA is rigging these games to make sure the series goes longer. Like they weren't surprised to see the Heat win Game 3, then the C's in a blowout Game 4, and then the Heat winning yesterday even with the odds against them. Because if those outcomes were changed, the series probably would have ended in just 5 games if say, Boston took both Games 3 and 4 (or Miami did).

The NBA wanted this to go 7 games and honestly, seeing how the refs called it last night does anyone really doubt that? My parents even think the C's will win by double digits tomorrow and that the refs will "let them play". Since the other series ended in 5, this one needed to go 6+ but also, Golden State probably could have easily swept Dallas but GSW basically got blown out from the start in Game 4. My dad thinks something was going on there too lol so that there'd be at least a Game 5.

Game 3 of the C's-Bucks series was also one where the C's got screwed by the refs, and losing that game probably is a big reason the series went to 7 games as well ultimately.

I don't think my parents are entirely wrong tbh. I think people here have been speculating the same thing, the NBA is a rigged league that's superstar and ratings driven even more so than other sports. Boston is a big market and so having an extra game involving them or something would help ratings and revenue. Same for other big cities (Miami, LA, NY, etc.). The refs also play a part in that.

We already know there's a lot of riggings going on. NBA ain't gonna call clean games. They do it based on their own private agendas, whatever the commissioner orders. Yesterday's game alone prob made over $20M revenue so Adam Silver must be jumping for joy right now lol. The ones who suffer the most are fans because they're fans of the basketball team and emotions get riled up when they win/lose.

C's wouldn't have to go 7 games against the Bucks had that controversial ending didn't happen in Game 3. C's wouldn't have to go 6 or 7 games had they properly beaten the Heat in Game 3.

If I believed the NBA was rigged, I wouldn't watch.   That doesn't mean that I think their aren't bad calls and that sometimes those calls have an influence on who wins and loses.  If the bad calls go in a direction that supports the argument of lengthening series' or favoring a team that will produce more revenue then that's "proof" to those who think it's rigged.   The C's losses in this series were due to an abominable quarter in G1, and abominable quarter in G3, and being generally outplayed in by a team who had the best player on the court.  Nonetheless, the C's still could have won -- but they weren't good enough over the last 2 minutes.  But that's why we have a G7 on Sunday.

I'm not saying I know you're wrong or that Phantom's dad is wrong, I'm just saying I don't really see it.  And I especially can't picture just how the order gets generated from Adam Silver.  Is it in code?  How many people are in the pipeline?  How many engage in the conspiracy on a daily basis?  And reporters aren't interested in blowing the lid off this -- or are they on the take as well?   Too many people involved and too much cost at risk to "rig" the games.  Maybe it's an unspoken truth amongst refs to try to extend games... maybe..., but all the millions you are talking about for extending a series are resting on trust that the very people who are willing to be dishonest in their daily work will then be "honorable" and not reveal the truth.

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/scott-foster-recipient-of-134-tim-donaghy-phone-calls-refereeing-celtics-heat-game-3/

The FBI revealed that Scott Foster and Tim Donaghy were exchanging 30 second phone calls before every game Donaghy bet on.

When this news became public, Scott Foster was not fired by the NBA. He is now arguably their top official.

Please explain what that means.

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

So I was talking with my dad in the car today. My parents are convinced the NBA is rigging these games to make sure the series goes longer. Like they weren't surprised to see the Heat win Game 3, then the C's in a blowout Game 4, and then the Heat winning yesterday even with the odds against them. Because if those outcomes were changed, the series probably would have ended in just 5 games if say, Boston took both Games 3 and 4 (or Miami did).

The NBA wanted this to go 7 games and honestly, seeing how the refs called it last night does anyone really doubt that? My parents even think the C's will win by double digits tomorrow and that the refs will "let them play". Since the other series ended in 5, this one needed to go 6+ but also, Golden State probably could have easily swept Dallas but GSW basically got blown out from the start in Game 4. My dad thinks something was going on there too lol so that there'd be at least a Game 5.

Game 3 of the C's-Bucks series was also one where the C's got screwed by the refs, and losing that game probably is a big reason the series went to 7 games as well ultimately.

I don't think my parents are entirely wrong tbh. I think people here have been speculating the same thing, the NBA is a rigged league that's superstar and ratings driven even more so than other sports. Boston is a big market and so having an extra game involving them or something would help ratings and revenue. Same for other big cities (Miami, LA, NY, etc.). The refs also play a part in that.

We already know there's a lot of riggings going on. NBA ain't gonna call clean games. They do it based on their own private agendas, whatever the commissioner orders. Yesterday's game alone prob made over $20M revenue so Adam Silver must be jumping for joy right now lol. The ones who suffer the most are fans because they're fans of the basketball team and emotions get riled up when they win/lose.

C's wouldn't have to go 7 games against the Bucks had that controversial ending didn't happen in Game 3. C's wouldn't have to go 6 or 7 games had they properly beaten the Heat in Game 3.

If I believed the NBA was rigged, I wouldn't watch.   That doesn't mean that I think their aren't bad calls and that sometimes those calls have an influence on who wins and loses.  If the bad calls go in a direction that supports the argument of lengthening series' or favoring a team that will produce more revenue then that's "proof" to those who think it's rigged.   The C's losses in this series were due to an abominable quarter in G1, and abominable quarter in G3, and being generally outplayed in by a team who had the best player on the court.  Nonetheless, the C's still could have won -- but they weren't good enough over the last 2 minutes.  But that's why we have a G7 on Sunday.

I'm not saying I know you're wrong or that Phantom's dad is wrong, I'm just saying I don't really see it.  And I especially can't picture just how the order gets generated from Adam Silver.  Is it in code?  How many people are in the pipeline?  How many engage in the conspiracy on a daily basis?  And reporters aren't interested in blowing the lid off this -- or are they on the take as well?   Too many people involved and too much cost at risk to "rig" the games.  Maybe it's an unspoken truth amongst refs to try to extend games... maybe..., but all the millions you are talking about for extending a series are resting on trust that the very people who are willing to be dishonest in their daily work will then be "honorable" and not reveal the truth.

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/scott-foster-recipient-of-134-tim-donaghy-phone-calls-refereeing-celtics-heat-game-3/

The FBI revealed that Scott Foster and Tim Donaghy were exchanging 30 second phone calls before every game Donaghy bet on.

When this news became public, Scott Foster was not fired by the NBA. He is now arguably their top official.

Please explain what that means.

https://www.sportscasting.com/almost-all-nba-referees-do-this-according-to-tim-donaghy/

What Donaghy did was tip off an old friend about who he believed was the odds-on favorite to win the game based on league mandates about fouls and other violations that would be cracked down upon regarding certain teams and players. It was a success, as Donaghy’s predictions gave the benefactors of his information an 88% success rate.

[MarcusSmartFanClub]

No idea what that means. Are you going to tell us that you know what it means?

The question has been asked multiple times: why watch if you think it is rigged?

Also, doesn’t this seem tangential to a big game 7?

[Kernewek]

There's no point in taking Tim Donaghy's word about more or less anything unless he's under oath.

But, more importantly:

The website NBAstuffer.com says that home teams have won 75 percent of the games this postseason in which Foster was the main referee, with road teams getting called for 54.1 percent of fouls.

If anything, the C's should have been the beneficiaries of the officiating trends/biases. Or do we really think the revenue of an extra ECF game really outweighs a Celtics - Warriors Final?

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

There's no point in taking Tim Donaghy's word about more or less anything unless he's under oath.

But, more importantly:

The website NBAstuffer.com says that home teams have won 75 percent of the games this postseason in which Foster was the main referee, with road teams getting called for 54.1 percent of fouls.

If anything, the C's should have been the beneficiaries of the officiating trends/biases. Or do we really think the revenue of an extra ECF game really outweighs a Celtics - Warriors Final?

LOL.  yeah  donaghy, bavetta and foster and crawford and the NBA are really an upstanding group.   what donaghy said is exactly what we see happening and have seen for years and years with certain players and teams in certain "situations". see my link above.

[angryguy77]

I'll preface this with saying I'm basing my comment off what I saw.


Ime leaving Rob out of the game was his Pete Carroll moment. Not putting him in made as much sense as passing rather than running lynch. Butler killed us with no shot blocking presence.  First year coach, so I just hope he learns from this. Just because a guy who sucked all night hits a shot, you don't leave him in at the expense of your wild card.

[Yuckabuck33]

So I was talking with my dad in the car today. My parents are convinced the NBA is rigging these games to make sure the series goes longer. Like they weren't surprised to see the Heat win Game 3, then the C's in a blowout Game 4, and then the Heat winning yesterday even with the odds against them. Because if those outcomes were changed, the series probably would have ended in just 5 games if say, Boston took both Games 3 and 4 (or Miami did).

The NBA wanted this to go 7 games and honestly, seeing how the refs called it last night does anyone really doubt that? My parents even think the C's will win by double digits tomorrow and that the refs will "let them play". Since the other series ended in 5, this one needed to go 6+ but also, Golden State probably could have easily swept Dallas but GSW basically got blown out from the start in Game 4. My dad thinks something was going on there too lol so that there'd be at least a Game 5.

Game 3 of the C's-Bucks series was also one where the C's got screwed by the refs, and losing that game probably is a big reason the series went to 7 games as well ultimately.

I don't think my parents are entirely wrong tbh. I think people here have been speculating the same thing, the NBA is a rigged league that's superstar and ratings driven even more so than other sports. Boston is a big market and so having an extra game involving them or something would help ratings and revenue. Same for other big cities (Miami, LA, NY, etc.). The refs also play a part in that.

We already know there's a lot of riggings going on. NBA ain't gonna call clean games. They do it based on their own private agendas, whatever the commissioner orders. Yesterday's game alone prob made over $20M revenue so Adam Silver must be jumping for joy right now lol. The ones who suffer the most are fans because they're fans of the basketball team and emotions get riled up when they win/lose.

C's wouldn't have to go 7 games against the Bucks had that controversial ending didn't happen in Game 3. C's wouldn't have to go 6 or 7 games had they properly beaten the Heat in Game 3.

If I believed the NBA was rigged, I wouldn't watch.   That doesn't mean that I think their aren't bad calls and that sometimes those calls have an influence on who wins and loses.  If the bad calls go in a direction that supports the argument of lengthening series' or favoring a team that will produce more revenue then that's "proof" to those who think it's rigged.   The C's losses in this series were due to an abominable quarter in G1, and abominable quarter in G3, and being generally outplayed in by a team who had the best player on the court.  Nonetheless, the C's still could have won -- but they weren't good enough over the last 2 minutes.  But that's why we have a G7 on Sunday.

I'm not saying I know you're wrong or that Phantom's dad is wrong, I'm just saying I don't really see it.  And I especially can't picture just how the order gets generated from Adam Silver.  Is it in code?  How many people are in the pipeline?  How many engage in the conspiracy on a daily basis?  And reporters aren't interested in blowing the lid off this -- or are they on the take as well?   Too many people involved and too much cost at risk to "rig" the games.  Maybe it's an unspoken truth amongst refs to try to extend games... maybe..., but all the millions you are talking about for extending a series are resting on trust that the very people who are willing to be dishonest in their daily work will then be "honorable" and not reveal the truth.

How does the NBA get word to the refs who they want to win?
It's all in Donaghy's book. I wonder if the people who discount him have read his book. The mechanisms and stories he tell seem to really match the product on the floor. And, as always, a team can overcome the refs. It's just really hard. Foster tried to redeem KD and let the Nets win game 4 but the Celtics overcame him.

[gouki88]

I'll preface this with saying I'm basing my comment off what I saw.


Ime leaving Rob out of the game was his Pete Carroll moment. Not putting him in made as much sense as passing rather than running lynch. Butler killed us with no shot blocking presence.  First year coach, so I just hope he learns from this. Just because a guy who sucked all night hits a shot, you don't leave him in at the expense of your wild card.

I agree. I audibly groaned when Ime sent Rob back to the bench from the scorers table when Al hit that three. Rob was huge in getting us going in the third quarter and then he doesn't even play in the fourth. Just a really bad mistake.

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

So I was talking with my dad in the car today. My parents are convinced the NBA is rigging these games to make sure the series goes longer. Like they weren't surprised to see the Heat win Game 3, then the C's in a blowout Game 4, and then the Heat winning yesterday even with the odds against them. Because if those outcomes were changed, the series probably would have ended in just 5 games if say, Boston took both Games 3 and 4 (or Miami did).

The NBA wanted this to go 7 games and honestly, seeing how the refs called it last night does anyone really doubt that? My parents even think the C's will win by double digits tomorrow and that the refs will "let them play". Since the other series ended in 5, this one needed to go 6+ but also, Golden State probably could have easily swept Dallas but GSW basically got blown out from the start in Game 4. My dad thinks something was going on there too lol so that there'd be at least a Game 5.

Game 3 of the C's-Bucks series was also one where the C's got screwed by the refs, and losing that game probably is a big reason the series went to 7 games as well ultimately.

I don't think my parents are entirely wrong tbh. I think people here have been speculating the same thing, the NBA is a rigged league that's superstar and ratings driven even more so than other sports. Boston is a big market and so having an extra game involving them or something would help ratings and revenue. Same for other big cities (Miami, LA, NY, etc.). The refs also play a part in that.

We already know there's a lot of riggings going on. NBA ain't gonna call clean games. They do it based on their own private agendas, whatever the commissioner orders. Yesterday's game alone prob made over $20M revenue so Adam Silver must be jumping for joy right now lol. The ones who suffer the most are fans because they're fans of the basketball team and emotions get riled up when they win/lose.

C's wouldn't have to go 7 games against the Bucks had that controversial ending didn't happen in Game 3. C's wouldn't have to go 6 or 7 games had they properly beaten the Heat in Game 3.

If I believed the NBA was rigged, I wouldn't watch.   That doesn't mean that I think their aren't bad calls and that sometimes those calls have an influence on who wins and loses.  If the bad calls go in a direction that supports the argument of lengthening series' or favoring a team that will produce more revenue then that's "proof" to those who think it's rigged.   The C's losses in this series were due to an abominable quarter in G1, and abominable quarter in G3, and being generally outplayed in by a team who had the best player on the court.  Nonetheless, the C's still could have won -- but they weren't good enough over the last 2 minutes.  But that's why we have a G7 on Sunday.

I'm not saying I know you're wrong or that Phantom's dad is wrong, I'm just saying I don't really see it.  And I especially can't picture just how the order gets generated from Adam Silver.  Is it in code?  How many people are in the pipeline?  How many engage in the conspiracy on a daily basis?  And reporters aren't interested in blowing the lid off this -- or are they on the take as well?   Too many people involved and too much cost at risk to "rig" the games.  Maybe it's an unspoken truth amongst refs to try to extend games... maybe..., but all the millions you are talking about for extending a series are resting on trust that the very people who are willing to be dishonest in their daily work will then be "honorable" and not reveal the truth.

How does the NBA get word to the refs who they want to win?
It's all in Donaghy's book. I wonder if the people who discount him have read his book. The mechanisms and stories he tell seem to really match the product on the floor. And, as always, a team can overcome the refs. It's just really hard. Foster tried to redeem KD and let the Nets win game 4 but the Celtics overcame him.

yup. this is a dirty league. we have seen star favoritism for years plus strange calls at certain times.

it is that old saying

" you gonna believe adam silver/the association or your lying eyes?"