I think the OP is onto something. You ever notice how refs seem to show up in the third of nationally televised games?
Also notice how they treat different caliber players differently?
What about how they call the game differently at the end of a game (last two minutes)?
Yes the NBA is rigged for entertainment value.
Its more entertaining to have close games. They'll keep it close. Instead of letting a team stretch lead, call 3sec on Celtics and lose a possession. And Magic goes and scores lead down to 8 instead of up 13 point. That was the same formula when Celtics lost to ATL not too long ago. Keep the game close.
How many times have you been on here to discuss this topic in games the Celtics have come back to win after facing large deficits?
Was this the case in Game 4 of the 2008 Finals?
-sw
There's no doubt I don't find myself minding it so much when the Celtics are on the positive end of that kind of officiating.
On the other hand, I find it very frustrating when so many fouls are being called and either of the teams shoots more than 25 or so free throws. When there are 50+ free throws taken in the game, it starts to feel less like a game and more like a free throw shooting exhibition.
I'd prefer the refs just let the teams play, as long it's not a hackfest and the fouls aren't so hard that there's a risk of injury.
I watch the NBA to see the players play, after all. Indeed, tonight the main matchup was supposed to be Dwight Howard vs Kendrick Perkins but both players ended up sitting for a large portion of the game because of fouls. Dwight Howard still got his star moments, mainly because he's the star so he gets the benefit of the doubt more often.
