Kobe's end-of-game play: steal or foul?

[BrickJames]

I phrased this topic as a question but let me give you the answer:

It was a clear foul.

I don't care if it's on the home court with the best player in the league.  That play potentially changed the outcome of the game and the officials did not whistle it dead.

Yes, most of us usually agree that we don't want the referees deciding game outcomes with whistles and free throws - but when the lack of a call can swing the momentum of a Finals series, they MUST blow the whistle to maintain the integrity of the game.

[wdleehi]

If they are going to call those reaching fouls against Peirce and KG, then yes, it was a foul. 



If they had let the Celtics play defense, then no, it wasn't a foul.

[Redz]

By the letter of the law probably a foul, but I didn't have a big problem with it. 

[vinnie]

Good steal.  Celtics lost this game on their own, not the refs.  The captain went to the line 19 times tonight!

[BrickJames]

Yes consistency is important, and you make a good point.  Even so, with my green tinted glasses Kobe's play was more of a foul than at least one of teh 2 plays you're alluding to (if I'm guessing correctly).

[Donoghus]

By the letter of the law probably a foul, but I didn't have a big problem with it. 

Ditto.

[Roy Hobbs]

Pierce was gracious during his press conference.  He called it a "great defensive play", and said he didn't think there was any contact.  He said you don't call a foul in a situation like that.

I think Pierce is lying through his teeth, but I respect him for not blaming the officials, unlike a certain team that wears purple.

[wdleehi]

Yes consistency is important, and you make a good point.  Even so, with my green tinted glasses Kobe's play was more of a foul than at least one of teh 2 plays you're alluding to (if I'm guessing correctly).

I was talking about all night. 

[BrickJames]

By the letter of the law probably a foul, but I didn't have a big problem with it. 

No problem with your star player who has been carrying your team, with an opportunity to tie an NBA Finals elimination game with a minute or so left, getting mugged with no whistle?  Really?

That's a 4 point swing right there alone and changes the complexion of the final seconds?  Eddie Houses' 3 gives us a lead and we aren't fouling down the stretch...

[NoraG1]

Good steal.  Celtics lost this game on their own, not the refs.  The captain went to the line 19 times tonight!

What does PP going to the line 19 time really matter in a crucial non call at the end of the game? Officials need to call it the same on both sides. They didn't. If it is a fould for the Celtics it should be for Kobe and the Lakers. They are not fully to blame but the definately deserve some questioning.

[Donoghus]

It was a borderline non-call that went against us.

Misfortune happens. 

[NoraG1]

Pierce was gracious during his press conference.  He called it a "great defensive play", and said he didn't think there was any contact.  He said you don't call a foul in a situation like that.

I think Pierce is lying through his teeth, but I respect him for not blaming the officials, unlike a certain team that wears purple.

Celtics are taking the high road as they have all series. They probably noticed how sad and pathetic the Lakers looked with all of their excuses.

[BrickJames]

Pierce was gracious during his press conference.  He called it a "great defensive play", and said he didn't think there was any contact.  He said you don't call a foul in a situation like that.

I think Pierce is lying through his teeth, but I respect him for not blaming the officials, unlike a certain team that wears purple.

Wow, I got the mod patrol replying to this one!

I was pleased with how Pierce handled the situation post-game.  It's a testament of his maturity and professionalism.  Plus, I'm fairly certain that there the threat of fines have been levied by the light to deter speaking negatively about the officials in the light of the little federal scandal that's been propping about lately.  What else explains the Zen Master backing off so suddenly?

In any case - this was most definitely a foul, and it's our job as fans to complain about it!  Especially Tuesday night if you're within earshot of the officials.

It would have been undeniably bad for Pierce to complain/dwell on it post-game.  The fact that he didn't shows that he has indeed matured.

[winsomme]

i'm not a big fan of officials deciding games especially at the end of the game.....when a guy gets hammered going to the rim, then i say call the foul, but honestly at the time, i didn't really have a problem with the no-call...

i just hope we can come out and win this under the banners and get the true celebration that this Title deserves, but we got ourselves a series here and it is not going to be easy.

[Bahku]

It was an obvious foul, but also not the kind of foul that's going to be called in a Finals game.