Refs for Game 5

[Finkelskyhook]

I could care less who the refs are.  We have to play better early than we did in game 4 to win game 5.  We're not going to be able to come back from a 24pt deficit twice.  The team showed great character in game 4.  Garnett is the key.  He must assert himself offensively down low early.  If he does, the fouls will be called evenly.  It's obviously not his favorite way to play.  But if he stays outside, nobody will have a reason to complain about free throw disparity no matter who the officials are.

[EJPLAYA]

How could the commissioner of the league put a referee that the federal authorities are asking questions about for fixing games into an NBA Finals game the same week the stuff hit the fan? It's the biggest lose-lose situation on earth.

Celts win, half the country says the fix was in to have the Celtics win. Celts lose and the other half of the country says the fix was in to extend the series for more revenue and increased exposure.

This is just an idiotic, arrogant, pompous move by the commissioner telling all that watch and care that he really is all about the Benjamins and doesn't care about the appearance and integrity his league promotes or shows. As long as the fans are in the stands, the jerseys are selling in the stores and the sponsors are buying commercial airtime so that the networks fork over barrels of cash to the league that's all that matters.

Perception be [dang]ed, he has the best entertainment out there and he doesn't care if the layman thinks it is WWE entertainment or pure sports cometition entertainment. Pay the price to watch and wear is all that matters in his book.

I can't blame him that is his job, but god help him if authorities find out any of Donaghy's allegations are true. Stern wouldn't probably be to thrilled about sharing a cell with a large man doing life without any conjudgal visits.

I think they are in a position that they have no choice but to continue with the rotation that they had planned. You are right about the no-win situation. I do think however that Bavetta will be bending over backwards trying to show the world that he is clean which will work in our favor. Maybe a bright side?!

[hpantazo]

I think that with the scrutiny that Bavetta has right now, it is highly unlikely that he tries to favor any team tonight. With that said, that doesn't mean that any of them won't blow a few key calls out of pure ineptness.

[celticmaestro]

with all the pressure on referees and accusations flying around, i don't think it matter who referees the game tonight.

[Cman]

with all the pressure on referees and accusations flying around, i don't think it matter who referees the game tonight.

ditto.  which will lead Laker fans to say they are getting unfair treatment from the refs since they (probably) won't get the typical home court advantages.

[dark_lord]

I think if the Celtics play their game, it doesn't matter who the officials are.

with all the pressure on referees and accusations flying around, i don't think it matter who referees the game tonight.

these are my feelings as well

[Redz]

Refs shmeffs...Just beat down the Lakers early and let them crumble

[WedmanIsMyHero]

Since it is not Salvatore I am not that worried.  And I worry about him just for competence reasons.

I agree with the poster above about Bavetta and league perceptions.  However, I wonder if all of the attention and scrutiny will negative any generic home court advantage.

[Bahku]

The problem with Dick (Bavetta) and his age, is that he very often overturns his own decisions in favor of one of the less experienced officials, and Kenny Mauer is the very worst, (other than Violet, of course). That said, we need to just play our best ball, and not let the refs even be an issue. The best way to deal with poor officiating, is to make it moot by playing the best you can.

[RebusRankin]

Bavetta and Mauer. What they thought adding Palmer to that duo was too much. 

[QuinielaBox]

We should not be bothered who is refereeing tonight. Let the Lakers be bothered with it.

In fact the Lakers appear rather bothered about everything.