I'm writing this post in Laker purple since they were the beneficiaries of the recent game-changing no call. As a Spurs fan, I was upset at first, then was irritated even more when the league admitted it was a foul. Of course it was a foul-the league didn't need to come out and say it! Having said all that, the Spurs were outplayed and didn't deserve to win Game 4, so I'm not going to harp anymore on this non-call. The reason is because this isn't even the worst thing that the NBA did this postseason.
The NBA reinstated Joey Crawford as an official. I have nothing against Joey, other than the fact that he looked like a chump for throwing out Duncan last year. Now, with all that being said, the NBA should not have put Crawford in a playoff situation with the Spurs. Game 4 against the Lakers was not the first Spurs game this postseason that Joey worked. I said it then, and I'm saying it now-no matter what he does, it will be scrutinized by everyone. If the Spurs get a call, fans will say he's doing it to prove that he's being fair (and maybe making up to Duncan). If the Spurs don't get a call-like in Game 4, then people start thinking he's still got a bone to pick with Duncan and it makes fans bring up Tim Donaghy again. This could have all been avoided-just assign Crawford to the Eastern Conference games!
NBA Commissioner David Stern has done so much for the game. He's made it a worldwide hit. A few things have happened in the last couple of seasons now that could endanger that status-this latest catastrophe should have been avoided.
I'm a Laker fan and have my own feelings about what happened in that sequence but you know what? When I saw Crawford was officating the game I went, WHAT?
How they could put Crawford in any Spurs Playoff game is beyond me. Why not just start a fire at midcourt and stand there throwing gasoline for 10 minutes telling the Spurs they have to dribble thru it every time.
I believe the league admitting it was a foul is the first step in finally instituting INSTANT REPLAY for the last two minutes of each half just like they do it in the NFL.
The fact that an NBA league spokesman, 24 hours after the game, admitted to the public that it was a foul leads me to believe that officials need help. The 'foul' call, one day later, gives new meaning to the term "late whislte."
I guarantee within two years the NBA will allow instant replay.
Now as for Joey Crawford refereeing a Spurs game, well, that's another story... I bet #### Bavetta or Steve Javie referees tonight's contest.
Great little video that shows exactly what the Lakers are a bunch of crazed, spoiled, rich, whinny, clueless trash. I'm sorry but you would think that Phil would at least teach his team some class but I guess he can't when he has none. I think the Spurs in 7 and then of course Kobe will be crying foul. Go Spurs.
Gee rome....Tell us how you really feel. Crazed,spoiled,rich,whiny,clueless trash? Obviously you know nothing of the Lakers to make a comment like that. Dont worry. Thier is always next year. Lakers in 5 !!!
ROME: First there was the end of an empire called ROME.
After that, the SPURS' empire was burned to the ground by the Lakers.
You "think" the Spurs in 7? Goes to show your confidence buddy. I KNOW the Lakers in five.
That's the difference between Spurs fans and Lakers fans. We know what dynasties are all about. Y'all "think" you got one but are not so sure because you can't repeat.
Unfortunately, I do know about the Lakers and the fact that they are supposed to be role models they should have a bit more class. If the lakers win in 5 it because they bought the refs, again!. Kobe is not a dynasty he is just nasty!
Rome if you're gonna be a hater, that's fine...but at least say something that's relevant. i'm just failing to see what the Lakers' level of class has to do with game 4?
are you a Spurs fan?
after admittedly having a "grievance" against Duncan, for the NBA to allow him to coach not just any game, but a playoff game, is absolutely ridiculous. it just is, and there's no way Stern can say it won't matter...it will always matter.
As a Lakers fan I have to say it was definitely a foul, but also Lamar's block wasn't a goaltend, fisher hit the rim, and Duncan traveled on his running dunk earlier in the game, so the Lakers would have won easily if those calls were made correctly.
Rome95,
The Lakers never get calls their way. The only call I've seen that was a bad call that benefited the Lakers was the one at the end of game 4, but if you see my other comment, you will see it wouldn't have mattered if the reffing was good.
JDizzle, don't act so superior, it is real easy to be confident when you are up 3-1 with home court advantage. I venture to say if the situation were reversed, you would have been a little doubtful. You can deny it, but we all know better. Lakers fans are no better than Spurs fans.
SPURCSE: It's "real easy to be confident" when the Lakers beat a certain team five out of the last six times they've faced them and four out of the last six playoffs series.
The Lakers would never have been down 3-1 against your Spurs because it was obvious from the start.
If you remember, I wrote a blog before the series started as to why the Lakers would defeat the champs in five games.
But much respect to the Spurs and their fans. They've been nothing but class the entire time.
I was actually disappointed that most Lakers fans at Staple Center booed when Jerry West asked the fans to give it up for the Spurs during the trophy ceremony after the game. I, for one, would have showed my respect and gave the Spurs an ovation.
