WOW, The big Fix in game one.

[Witch-King]

Notice how LeBron was absolutely COLD by the end of the first quarter but the refs were giving him calls from early on. Glen Davis was playing well but he had 4 fouls by halftime so he couldn't really contribute later in the game. Rondo Owned LeBron statistically so why doesn't he get 'Superstar' calls? LeBron has appeared in an NBA Finals before any of the Big 3 or Rondo, and he played terribly last night yet he still gets to be 'The Man' in the post-game interview. The NBA is a joke.

I understand you're frustrated. But why bother watching it then? If that's how you really feel?

I actually stopped watching by mid 4th quarter because I knew they were going to 'rig' the end of the game. Shame because the Celtics were up by double-digits at halftime, but then Barkley and the rest of the TNT announcers started complaining about LeBron's terrible first half and I knew it was going to be all downhill from there...

[FallGuy]

Notice how LeBron was absolutely COLD by the end of the first quarter but the refs were giving him calls from early on. Glen Davis was playing well but he had 4 fouls by halftime so he couldn't really contribute later in the game. Rondo Owned LeBron statistically so why doesn't he get 'Superstar' calls? LeBron has appeared in an NBA Finals before any of the Big 3 or Rondo, and he played terribly last night yet he still gets to be 'The Man' in the post-game interview. The NBA is a joke.

I understand you're frustrated. But why bother watching it then? If that's how you really feel?

I actually stopped watching by mid 4th quarter because I knew they were going to 'rig' the end of the game. Shame because the Celtics were up by double-digits at halftime, but then Barkley and the rest of the TNT announcers started complaining about LeBron's terrible first half and I knew it was going to be all downhill from there...

They didn't rig the end of the game. Unless Paul was missing shots as part of some grand conspiracy.

I mean this respectfully, but if you feel that way, why not call the league office or write a letter or organize some sort of formal protest? Maybe there's a difference to be made there....

[Witch-King]

Notice how LeBron was absolutely COLD by the end of the first quarter but the refs were giving him calls from early on. Glen Davis was playing well but he had 4 fouls by halftime so he couldn't really contribute later in the game. Rondo Owned LeBron statistically so why doesn't he get 'Superstar' calls? LeBron has appeared in an NBA Finals before any of the Big 3 or Rondo, and he played terribly last night yet he still gets to be 'The Man' in the post-game interview. The NBA is a joke.

I understand you're frustrated. But why bother watching it then? If that's how you really feel?

I actually stopped watching by mid 4th quarter because I knew they were going to 'rig' the end of the game. Shame because the Celtics were up by double-digits at halftime, but then Barkley and the rest of the TNT announcers started complaining about LeBron's terrible first half and I knew it was going to be all downhill from there...

They didn't rig the end of the game. Unless Paul was missing shots as part of some grand conspiracy.

I mean this respectfully, but if you feel that way, why not call the league office or write a letter or organize some sort of formal protest? Maybe there's a difference to be made there....

LOL, by the time I could have organized my 'protestors' the game will have already ended so what would have been the point be in protesting then? I mean it's not like I could just call up Spike Lee and have him do a mini-documentary on all of the shady calls that go LeBron James/Kobe Bryant's way, now can I? Best thing is to just change the channel, IMO.

[hpantazo]

Notice how LeBron was absolutely COLD by the end of the first quarter but the refs were giving him calls from early on. Glen Davis was playing well but he had 4 fouls by halftime so he couldn't really contribute later in the game. Rondo Owned LeBron statistically so why doesn't he get 'Superstar' calls? LeBron has appeared in an NBA Finals before any of the Big 3 or Rondo, and he played terribly last night yet he still gets to be 'The Man' in the post-game interview. The NBA is a joke.

I understand you're frustrated. But why bother watching it then? If that's how you really feel?

I actually stopped watching by mid 4th quarter because I knew they were going to 'rig' the end of the game. Shame because the Celtics were up by double-digits at halftime, but then Barkley and the rest of the TNT announcers started complaining about LeBron's terrible first half and I knew it was going to be all downhill from there...

They didn't rig the end of the game. Unless Paul was missing shots as part of some grand conspiracy.

I mean this respectfully, but if you feel that way, why not call the league office or write a letter or organize some sort of formal protest? Maybe there's a difference to be made there....

well, there are some people that still watch WWE/WWF and still believe it's real too. I mean, the bad calls and no calls were obvious last night, and while Pierce was not missing shots on purpose, the way the game was called took the celtics out of their mindset and their offense, made them hesitant on defense, and made them stop driving to the basket because the cavs had free reign to hit them at will with no call, which forced them to take bad shots like those that Pierce missed, well because what else could they do? Then we see Lebron showboating like a pro wrestler and the commentators talking like he's superman with a fake injury. Oh please! If this garbage keeps up, I will tune out the NBA and so will many other fans, and it will hurt them in ticket sales, because the people they are marketing this crap to can't afford $100/ticket more than once a year if that. The upcoming CBA will be interesting.

[FallGuy]

Notice how LeBron was absolutely COLD by the end of the first quarter but the refs were giving him calls from early on. Glen Davis was playing well but he had 4 fouls by halftime so he couldn't really contribute later in the game. Rondo Owned LeBron statistically so why doesn't he get 'Superstar' calls? LeBron has appeared in an NBA Finals before any of the Big 3 or Rondo, and he played terribly last night yet he still gets to be 'The Man' in the post-game interview. The NBA is a joke.

I understand you're frustrated. But why bother watching it then? If that's how you really feel?

I actually stopped watching by mid 4th quarter because I knew they were going to 'rig' the end of the game. Shame because the Celtics were up by double-digits at halftime, but then Barkley and the rest of the TNT announcers started complaining about LeBron's terrible first half and I knew it was going to be all downhill from there...

They didn't rig the end of the game. Unless Paul was missing shots as part of some grand conspiracy.

I mean this respectfully, but if you feel that way, why not call the league office or write a letter or organize some sort of formal protest? Maybe there's a difference to be made there....

well, there are some people that still watch WWE/WWF and still believe it's real too. I mean, the bad calls and no calls were obvious last night, and while Pierce was not missing shots on purpose, the way the game was called took the celtics out of their mindset and their offense, made them hesitant on defense, and made them stop driving to the basket because the cavs had free reign to hit them at will with no call, which forced them to take bad shots like those that Pierce missed, well because what else could they do? Then we see Lebron showboating like a pro wrestler and the commentators talking like he's superman with a fake injury. Oh please! If this garbage keeps up, I will tune out the NBA and so will many other fans, and it will hurt them in ticket sales, because the people they are marketing this crap to can't afford $100/ticket more than once a year if that. The upcoming CBA will be interesting.

Nothing made the Celtics change the way they were playing. They made those choices. Doc counseled otherwise. I won't pretend like the calls were great, or that they didn't have some impact on the game, but this is how it goes for all teams - they all think the refs are screwing them. And sometimes, they may have a case.

I suppose I could make the case about all the raves that Reggie and Marv were lavishing on Boston, or the way Reggie accurately pointed out a few bad calls against Boston, but would that change the narrative in your mind? I doubt it.

Here's what I do believe - people will NOT tune out, even if the refereeing gets no better. I believe it's an idle threat because most of us love this game. I mean L-O-V-E. And we can't turn away even if we want to.

[hpantazo]

Notice how LeBron was absolutely COLD by the end of the first quarter but the refs were giving him calls from early on. Glen Davis was playing well but he had 4 fouls by halftime so he couldn't really contribute later in the game. Rondo Owned LeBron statistically so why doesn't he get 'Superstar' calls? LeBron has appeared in an NBA Finals before any of the Big 3 or Rondo, and he played terribly last night yet he still gets to be 'The Man' in the post-game interview. The NBA is a joke.

I understand you're frustrated. But why bother watching it then? If that's how you really feel?

I actually stopped watching by mid 4th quarter because I knew they were going to 'rig' the end of the game. Shame because the Celtics were up by double-digits at halftime, but then Barkley and the rest of the TNT announcers started complaining about LeBron's terrible first half and I knew it was going to be all downhill from there...

They didn't rig the end of the game. Unless Paul was missing shots as part of some grand conspiracy.

I mean this respectfully, but if you feel that way, why not call the league office or write a letter or organize some sort of formal protest? Maybe there's a difference to be made there....

well, there are some people that still watch WWE/WWF and still believe it's real too. I mean, the bad calls and no calls were obvious last night, and while Pierce was not missing shots on purpose, the way the game was called took the celtics out of their mindset and their offense, made them hesitant on defense, and made them stop driving to the basket because the cavs had free reign to hit them at will with no call, which forced them to take bad shots like those that Pierce missed, well because what else could they do? Then we see Lebron showboating like a pro wrestler and the commentators talking like he's superman with a fake injury. Oh please! If this garbage keeps up, I will tune out the NBA and so will many other fans, and it will hurt them in ticket sales, because the people they are marketing this crap to can't afford $100/ticket more than once a year if that. The upcoming CBA will be interesting.

Nothing made the Celtics change the way they were playing. They made those choices. Doc counseled otherwise. I won't pretend like the calls were great, or that they didn't have some impact on the game, but this is how it goes for all teams - they all think the refs are screwing them. And sometimes, they may have a case.

I suppose I could make the case about all the raves that Reggie and Marv were lavishing on Boston, or the way Reggie accurately pointed out a few bad calls against Boston, but would that change the narrative in your mind? I doubt it.

Here's what I do believe - people will NOT tune out, even if the refereeing gets no better. I believe it's an idle threat because most of us love this game. I mean L-O-V-E. And we can't turn away even if we want to.

unfortunately, I disagree. This looks like a clear marketing strategy, and more and more people are seeing it, and people will tune out, it will happen eventually. I LOVE basketball, more than almost anything else in my life, but what I'm seeing isn't basketball. I have no problem with the celtics loosing when they play poorly and/or are outmatched, but not when they outplay an opponent and the refs change the game. I have played and watched enough basketball over my life to feel that when the game is called the way it was last night, players change the way they play. It's inevitable. If you get hit often enough going to the hoop without getting to the line, you will stop going to the hoop, unless you are stupid. If you get called for 3-4 fouls before halftime for playing good defense, you will stop playing good defense. It's very simple to me. Yes, the players made those choices, and Doc argued against it, but the refs pushed them into that decision, and it's tough to do otherwise as a player. The celtics will have to deal with this all series and have the mental toughness to play through it, even at home. I knew this going into the series. Unfortunately, the NBA want a lebron-kobe finals more than anything. And about your comments regarding commentators praising the celtics? You gotta be kidding me! YOu have no arguement there. Lebron gets more hype and tv attention than any NBA player ever. A few nice comments once in a while about the celtics doesn't come close to making up for it. But whatever.

[FallGuy]

Notice how LeBron was absolutely COLD by the end of the first quarter but the refs were giving him calls from early on. Glen Davis was playing well but he had 4 fouls by halftime so he couldn't really contribute later in the game. Rondo Owned LeBron statistically so why doesn't he get 'Superstar' calls? LeBron has appeared in an NBA Finals before any of the Big 3 or Rondo, and he played terribly last night yet he still gets to be 'The Man' in the post-game interview. The NBA is a joke.

I understand you're frustrated. But why bother watching it then? If that's how you really feel?

I actually stopped watching by mid 4th quarter because I knew they were going to 'rig' the end of the game. Shame because the Celtics were up by double-digits at halftime, but then Barkley and the rest of the TNT announcers started complaining about LeBron's terrible first half and I knew it was going to be all downhill from there...

They didn't rig the end of the game. Unless Paul was missing shots as part of some grand conspiracy.

I mean this respectfully, but if you feel that way, why not call the league office or write a letter or organize some sort of formal protest? Maybe there's a difference to be made there....

well, there are some people that still watch WWE/WWF and still believe it's real too. I mean, the bad calls and no calls were obvious last night, and while Pierce was not missing shots on purpose, the way the game was called took the celtics out of their mindset and their offense, made them hesitant on defense, and made them stop driving to the basket because the cavs had free reign to hit them at will with no call, which forced them to take bad shots like those that Pierce missed, well because what else could they do? Then we see Lebron showboating like a pro wrestler and the commentators talking like he's superman with a fake injury. Oh please! If this garbage keeps up, I will tune out the NBA and so will many other fans, and it will hurt them in ticket sales, because the people they are marketing this crap to can't afford $100/ticket more than once a year if that. The upcoming CBA will be interesting.

Nothing made the Celtics change the way they were playing. They made those choices. Doc counseled otherwise. I won't pretend like the calls were great, or that they didn't have some impact on the game, but this is how it goes for all teams - they all think the refs are screwing them. And sometimes, they may have a case.

I suppose I could make the case about all the raves that Reggie and Marv were lavishing on Boston, or the way Reggie accurately pointed out a few bad calls against Boston, but would that change the narrative in your mind? I doubt it.

Here's what I do believe - people will NOT tune out, even if the refereeing gets no better. I believe it's an idle threat because most of us love this game. I mean L-O-V-E. And we can't turn away even if we want to.

unfortunately, I disagree. This looks like a clear marketing strategy, and more and more people are seeing it, and people will tune out, it will happen eventually. I LOVE basketball, more than almost anything else in my life, but what I'm seeing isn't basketball. I have no problem with the celtics loosing when they play poorly and/or are outmatched, but not when they outplay an opponent and the refs change the game. I have played and watched enough basketball over my life to feel that when the game is called the way it was last night, players change the way they play. It's inevitable. If you get hit often enough going to the hoop without getting to the line, you will stop going to the hoop, unless you are stupid. If you get called for 3-4 fouls before halftime for playing good defense, you will stop playing good defense. It's very simple to me. The celtics will have to deal with this all series and have the mental toughness to play through it, even at home. I knew this going into the series. Unfortunately, the NBA want a lebron-kobe finals more than anything. And about your comments regarding commentators praising the celtics? You gotta be kidding me! YOu have no arguement there. Lebron gets more hype and tv attention than any NBA player ever. A few nice comments once in a while about the celtics doesn't come close to making up for it. But whatever.

Of course Lebron gets the most attention. He's the best player. But to pretend like the Celtics were hard done by last night is intellectually dishonest. They got plenty of praise. But like I said, I think you've already chosen your conclusion on that topic. So there's no point debating you.

I remain entirely unconvinced by arguments (more like conspiracy theories) that the NBA wants a Kobe-Lebron finals and will take action to create it. It's the same bogus premise, backed up by next-to-nothing, that supposed the NBA wanted Lebron or Oden in New York, or that the NBA wanted Cle in the finals in 08 and 09. None of those things happened. But we heard all the same conspiracy theories back then.

Ironically enough, I agree with you that the refereeing in this league needs attention and transparency and that Stern has done a poor job building confidence in it post-Donaghy. But I'd argue that you submarine your own good points by layering on the conspiracy nonsense.

[Rondo_is_better]

Notice how LeBron was absolutely COLD by the end of the first quarter but the refs were giving him calls from early on. Glen Davis was playing well but he had 4 fouls by halftime so he couldn't really contribute later in the game. Rondo Owned LeBron statistically so why doesn't he get 'Superstar' calls? LeBron has appeared in an NBA Finals before any of the Big 3 or Rondo, and he played terribly last night yet he still gets to be 'The Man' in the post-game interview. The NBA is a joke.

I understand you're frustrated. But why bother watching it then? If that's how you really feel?

I actually stopped watching by mid 4th quarter because I knew they were going to 'rig' the end of the game. Shame because the Celtics were up by double-digits at halftime, but then Barkley and the rest of the TNT announcers started complaining about LeBron's terrible first half and I knew it was going to be all downhill from there...

They didn't rig the end of the game. Unless Paul was missing shots as part of some grand conspiracy.

I mean this respectfully, but if you feel that way, why not call the league office or write a letter or organize some sort of formal protest? Maybe there's a difference to be made there....

well, there are some people that still watch WWE/WWF and still believe it's real too. I mean, the bad calls and no calls were obvious last night, and while Pierce was not missing shots on purpose, the way the game was called took the celtics out of their mindset and their offense, made them hesitant on defense, and made them stop driving to the basket because the cavs had free reign to hit them at will with no call, which forced them to take bad shots like those that Pierce missed, well because what else could they do? Then we see Lebron showboating like a pro wrestler and the commentators talking like he's superman with a fake injury. Oh please! If this garbage keeps up, I will tune out the NBA and so will many other fans, and it will hurt them in ticket sales, because the people they are marketing this crap to can't afford $100/ticket more than once a year if that. The upcoming CBA will be interesting.

Nothing made the Celtics change the way they were playing. They made those choices. Doc counseled otherwise. I won't pretend like the calls were great, or that they didn't have some impact on the game, but this is how it goes for all teams - they all think the refs are screwing them. And sometimes, they may have a case.

I suppose I could make the case about all the raves that Reggie and Marv were lavishing on Boston, or the way Reggie accurately pointed out a few bad calls against Boston, but would that change the narrative in your mind? I doubt it.

Here's what I do believe - people will NOT tune out, even if the refereeing gets no better. I believe it's an idle threat because most of us love this game. I mean L-O-V-E. And we can't turn away even if we want to.

unfortunately, I disagree. This looks like a clear marketing strategy, and more and more people are seeing it, and people will tune out, it will happen eventually. I LOVE basketball, more than almost anything else in my life, but what I'm seeing isn't basketball. I have no problem with the celtics loosing when they play poorly and/or are outmatched, but not when they outplay an opponent and the refs change the game. I have played and watched enough basketball over my life to feel that when the game is called the way it was last night, players change the way they play. It's inevitable. If you get hit often enough going to the hoop without getting to the line, you will stop going to the hoop, unless you are stupid. If you get called for 3-4 fouls before halftime for playing good defense, you will stop playing good defense. It's very simple to me. Yes, the players made those choices, and Doc argued against it, but the refs pushed them into that decision, and it's tough to do otherwise as a player. The celtics will have to deal with this all series and have the mental toughness to play through it, even at home. I knew this going into the series. Unfortunately, the NBA want a lebron-kobe finals more than anything. And about your comments regarding commentators praising the celtics? You gotta be kidding me! YOu have no arguement there. Lebron gets more hype and tv attention than any NBA player ever. A few nice comments once in a while about the celtics doesn't come close to making up for it. But whatever.

Your position is somewhat convoluted. Take some time to sort exactly what you think -- because what you're saying so far is a mix of the plausible and the ridiculous. Don't take offense to this -- just evaluate what you are saying.

[hpantazo]

Notice how LeBron was absolutely COLD by the end of the first quarter but the refs were giving him calls from early on. Glen Davis was playing well but he had 4 fouls by halftime so he couldn't really contribute later in the game. Rondo Owned LeBron statistically so why doesn't he get 'Superstar' calls? LeBron has appeared in an NBA Finals before any of the Big 3 or Rondo, and he played terribly last night yet he still gets to be 'The Man' in the post-game interview. The NBA is a joke.

I understand you're frustrated. But why bother watching it then? If that's how you really feel?

I actually stopped watching by mid 4th quarter because I knew they were going to 'rig' the end of the game. Shame because the Celtics were up by double-digits at halftime, but then Barkley and the rest of the TNT announcers started complaining about LeBron's terrible first half and I knew it was going to be all downhill from there...

They didn't rig the end of the game. Unless Paul was missing shots as part of some grand conspiracy.

I mean this respectfully, but if you feel that way, why not call the league office or write a letter or organize some sort of formal protest? Maybe there's a difference to be made there....

well, there are some people that still watch WWE/WWF and still believe it's real too. I mean, the bad calls and no calls were obvious last night, and while Pierce was not missing shots on purpose, the way the game was called took the celtics out of their mindset and their offense, made them hesitant on defense, and made them stop driving to the basket because the cavs had free reign to hit them at will with no call, which forced them to take bad shots like those that Pierce missed, well because what else could they do? Then we see Lebron showboating like a pro wrestler and the commentators talking like he's superman with a fake injury. Oh please! If this garbage keeps up, I will tune out the NBA and so will many other fans, and it will hurt them in ticket sales, because the people they are marketing this crap to can't afford $100/ticket more than once a year if that. The upcoming CBA will be interesting.

Nothing made the Celtics change the way they were playing. They made those choices. Doc counseled otherwise. I won't pretend like the calls were great, or that they didn't have some impact on the game, but this is how it goes for all teams - they all think the refs are screwing them. And sometimes, they may have a case.

I suppose I could make the case about all the raves that Reggie and Marv were lavishing on Boston, or the way Reggie accurately pointed out a few bad calls against Boston, but would that change the narrative in your mind? I doubt it.

Here's what I do believe - people will NOT tune out, even if the refereeing gets no better. I believe it's an idle threat because most of us love this game. I mean L-O-V-E. And we can't turn away even if we want to.

unfortunately, I disagree. This looks like a clear marketing strategy, and more and more people are seeing it, and people will tune out, it will happen eventually. I LOVE basketball, more than almost anything else in my life, but what I'm seeing isn't basketball. I have no problem with the celtics loosing when they play poorly and/or are outmatched, but not when they outplay an opponent and the refs change the game. I have played and watched enough basketball over my life to feel that when the game is called the way it was last night, players change the way they play. It's inevitable. If you get hit often enough going to the hoop without getting to the line, you will stop going to the hoop, unless you are stupid. If you get called for 3-4 fouls before halftime for playing good defense, you will stop playing good defense. It's very simple to me. Yes, the players made those choices, and Doc argued against it, but the refs pushed them into that decision, and it's tough to do otherwise as a player. The celtics will have to deal with this all series and have the mental toughness to play through it, even at home. I knew this going into the series. Unfortunately, the NBA want a lebron-kobe finals more than anything. And about your comments regarding commentators praising the celtics? You gotta be kidding me! YOu have no arguement there. Lebron gets more hype and tv attention than any NBA player ever. A few nice comments once in a while about the celtics doesn't come close to making up for it. But whatever.

Your position is somewhat convoluted. Take some time to sort exactly what you think -- because what you're saying so far is a mix of the plausible and the ridiculous. Don't take offense to this -- just evaluate what you are saying.

no offense taken, but I stand by what I posted, and imo it's well thought out, maybe not so well written, but well thought out. If you don't agree with it, fine. I hope your right.

[wiley]

I have no idea why or how people can say the NBA is'nt rigged.  Ever heard of "SUPERSTAR CALLS" or watch a game and here the commentators say they (meaning the refs) arnt gonna call that on Jordan, Kobe, Shaq, Lebron, ect, ect,. the NBA has done this since the early 90's at least and not once has the NBA ever come out and denied the or refuted these comments. In fact I say since the NBA pays these commentators to do these games then it's an admission to said corruption. If 10 players step on the court I don't care who it is they all should be on a level playing feild. Just cuz 1 player is better than the other nine doesn't mean that the guys calling fouls should change, bend,or overlook the rules for that1 player. I think that something needs to be done about this blatant corruption in the NBA  

Good point.  The problem starts right there where you say...

[liam]

Notice how LeBron was absolutely COLD by the end of the first quarter but the refs were giving him calls from early on. Glen Davis was playing well but he had 4 fouls by halftime so he couldn't really contribute later in the game. Rondo Owned LeBron statistically so why doesn't he get 'Superstar' calls? LeBron has appeared in an NBA Finals before any of the Big 3 or Rondo, and he played terribly last night yet he still gets to be 'The Man' in the post-game interview. The NBA is a joke.

I understand you're frustrated. But why bother watching it then? If that's how you really feel?

I actually stopped watching by mid 4th quarter because I knew they were going to 'rig' the end of the game. Shame because the Celtics were up by double-digits at halftime, but then Barkley and the rest of the TNT announcers started complaining about LeBron's terrible first half and I knew it was going to be all downhill from there...

They didn't rig the end of the game. Unless Paul was missing shots as part of some grand conspiracy.

I mean this respectfully, but if you feel that way, why not call the league office or write a letter or organize some sort of formal protest? Maybe there's a difference to be made there....

well, there are some people that still watch WWE/WWF and still believe it's real too. I mean, the bad calls and no calls were obvious last night, and while Pierce was not missing shots on purpose, the way the game was called took the celtics out of their mindset and their offense, made them hesitant on defense, and made them stop driving to the basket because the cavs had free reign to hit them at will with no call, which forced them to take bad shots like those that Pierce missed, well because what else could they do? Then we see Lebron showboating like a pro wrestler and the commentators talking like he's superman with a fake injury. Oh please! If this garbage keeps up, I will tune out the NBA and so will many other fans, and it will hurt them in ticket sales, because the people they are marketing this crap to can't afford $100/ticket more than once a year if that. The upcoming CBA will be interesting.

Nothing made the Celtics change the way they were playing. They made those choices. Doc counseled otherwise. I won't pretend like the calls were great, or that they didn't have some impact on the game, but this is how it goes for all teams - they all think the refs are screwing them. And sometimes, they may have a case.

I suppose I could make the case about all the raves that Reggie and Marv were lavishing on Boston, or the way Reggie accurately pointed out a few bad calls against Boston, but would that change the narrative in your mind? I doubt it.

Here's what I do believe - people will NOT tune out, even if the refereeing gets no better. I believe it's an idle threat because most of us love this game. I mean L-O-V-E. And we can't turn away even if we want to.

unfortunately, I disagree. This looks like a clear marketing strategy, and more and more people are seeing it, and people will tune out, it will happen eventually. I LOVE basketball, more than almost anything else in my life, but what I'm seeing isn't basketball. I have no problem with the celtics loosing when they play poorly and/or are outmatched, but not when they outplay an opponent and the refs change the game. I have played and watched enough basketball over my life to feel that when the game is called the way it was last night, players change the way they play. It's inevitable. If you get hit often enough going to the hoop without getting to the line, you will stop going to the hoop, unless you are stupid. If you get called for 3-4 fouls before halftime for playing good defense, you will stop playing good defense. It's very simple to me. Yes, the players made those choices, and Doc argued against it, but the refs pushed them into that decision, and it's tough to do otherwise as a player. The celtics will have to deal with this all series and have the mental toughness to play through it, even at home. I knew this going into the series. Unfortunately, the NBA want a lebron-kobe finals more than anything. And about your comments regarding commentators praising the celtics? You gotta be kidding me! YOu have no arguement there. Lebron gets more hype and tv attention than any NBA player ever. A few nice comments once in a while about the celtics doesn't come close to making up for it. But whatever.

Well said. I too love to watch and play basketball. The NBA is becoming less and less about basketball. Just see Stern's love it or leave it speech during the Heat series. Threatening the players and coaches, the people who really are the league, with losing there livelihood if they dare speak out is fascist.
TP

[cdif911]

I'm not going to say this one was fixed.  Were the refs more likely to give a call to the Cavs than the C's, especially with contact? I'd say yes...but remember, the C's had this game in their hands and couldn't stop a run...it wasn't the refs fault that happened. 

I think people are trying to establish plausible deniability if the Celtics lose this series, saying it's fixed from the get go.  Honestly, the C's couldn't weather the storm in a tightly contested game.  They learn, move on - we need 1 win in Cleveland, the frustrating thing is this could have been the 1

but if you do want to be a conspiracy theories, note the line on the game was Cleveland +7.....maybe too many people bet on the Celts to cover....

[connerhenry43]

Where were all you "the fix is in" guys in the first two games of the Miami series when teh Celtics took 55 foul shots and the Heat took 29?

Do the refs ever make bad calls in your world vinnie?

Guess you can't answer the question.

there are 99.9999999999999999% of nba fans who think the refs do a poor job. then there is, and we all love him because he is a great celtics fan, vinnie.

the refs did not cost us game one. there were however some bad calls that went against us. the worst thing you can do in the nba is be an underdog and get out ahead double digits in the first half. the refs will do their part to make sure the home team gets back in the game. once the crowd got into it in the third, the refs  felt the momentum and helped out the home team. Conscious effort? Human Nature? Not sure, but the refs did not give a 50/50 effort last night.

[vinnie]

Where were all you "the fix is in" guys in the first two games of the Miami series when teh Celtics took 55 foul shots and the Heat took 29?

Do the refs ever make bad calls in your world vinnie?

Guess you can't answer the question.

there are 99.9999999999999999% of nba fans who think the refs do a poor job. then there is, and we all love him because he is a great celtics fan, vinnie.

the refs did not cost us game one. there were however some bad calls that went against us. the worst thing you can do in the nba is be an underdog and get out ahead double digits in the first half. the refs will do their part to make sure the home team gets back in the game. once the crowd got into it in the third, the refs  felt the momentum and helped out the home team. Conscious effort? Human Nature? Not sure, but the refs did not give a 50/50 effort last night.

Total misrepresentation of my position, but whatever. I have said that NBA refs are not good. However, the difference is, I believe they are equally not good for everyone. And, the fact that 99.999999999999% of NBA fans think they are not good pretty much proves my point. I also think it is ludicrous to suggest that there is some sort of conspiracy either against the Celtics or to make it a Lebronvs. Kobe final, etc., as many posters here have written.

[Celtics18]

Last night's game was not that poorly refereed.  The most blatant example of a bad call was probably Rondo's charging call against Mo Williams in the first half.  And, that one was actually reasonably close. 

If that's the most egregious thing that happened, that doesn't warrant an internal investigation.

By the way, I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the D played by a referee on Ray as he was receiving the ball wide open behind the arc or the charge Paul drew on Lebron late in the game that wasn't called.