I really don't want to believe this is how the NBA works, but how is it humanly possible to be that bad.
Well lets remember, these are all very biased reports based on a few calls. You can make a strong argument against most any of the very experienced refs in the league.
Stat-wise, there was no one more fair in the regular season than Bennett Salvatore, who called 50% fouls on home and away teams.
Mauer calls the 3rd fewest fouls per game in the regular season, and IMO, that benefits the C's.
IMO, this is classic conspiracy theory. Only focus on the points that support your point, but ignore those that don't.
Some were arguing that it was the worst refs possible last game. Now these are the worst refs possible. I am sure the same argument will be made for game 4, and certainly game 5.
I guess we could just assume that officials are all perfect and wonderful and never make mistakes, and so are above critical review. I think the majority of bloggers here are very intelligent and knowledgeable when it comes to basketball, and while most of us are also admittedly biased when it comes to our team in green, we can also distinguish between a bad call/official and a good one. It would absolutely astonish me if everyone here who complains about the officiating are completely wrong and just trying to create another "conspiracy theory" ... but then again, I'm wrong more than I am correct, so it's entirely possible ... but our suspicions give us more juicy stuff to chew on, and it's just plain too much fun to give up! 
Well, first let me say that I never suggested that any refs were good. More to the point, I am suggesting they all stink, and while they all have their strengths and weaknesses, I think the suggestion that any of them are "anti-Celtics" is just selective memory.
We pick out the bad calls against the Celtics, and ignore the bad calls that go in the Celtics favor. And there are plenty of those as well.
I also don't understand how anyone finds this "fun". Personally, I find the thought that there is a conspiracy against letting the C's win tonight about as far from fun as can be.
Wow ... well, firstly, I agree with your overall assessment that most officials aren't very objective, and secondly, what I was referring to as "fun" was discussing the topic, and the different ways we all interpret officiating ... I think it's a great topic to toss around, (that's why I put the little "wink" icon there). Not sure why you took this personally or got so offended, but there was nothing negative aimed at you or your comments. Jeez.
Oh, I am not offended at all. Just trying to explain where I am coming from. I just think that it is a bit depressing to be discussing this before the game even starts. I can only speak for myself, but it does not put me in the right mindframe to truly enjoy the game. But that doesn't mean you guys can't enjoy it.
Same boat as you, Chris. There seems to be a real, even more over the top than usual, fascination with the referees this series. Many people seem to think that we are going to get screwed by the refs as part of a conspiracy to get Lebron and the Cavs to the Finals. A mentality that "if we win, its because we played well. If we lose, its 'cause the refs screwed us". Hate this mentality.
Not sure if this is aimed at me, but I have
always been of the mind, (and always said so), that this team is
completely responsible for it's losses, as well as it's wins, and I only discuss poor officiating within that context, that despite the bad refs and horrible callss we get sometimes, this team is
still good enough to take responsibility for it's level of play. And to Chris: I agree that this is a topic better served at "down" times, and there are much better, more positive ways to prepare for this game. Glad we're cool. (TP, Chris) Go Celtics!
