The first time the Heat and Mavs met in the finals, it was disgusting how much Wade got phantom calls. I'm not sure that it's always that the "superstars" get the calls, though. I think that what part of the problem is, is when the calls aren't made the other way. I was happy to see how griffin fouled out today, because he clearly did hold Patterson, but I was truly disgusted when I saw how a subsequent hack led to a turnover that cost us the game. That's the part that truly kills me.
I was arguing with a friend of mine (Heat fan) that Rockets seem to get the worst calls these last few seasons. Hes a numbers nerd and decided that he would do some research to prove me wrong. So far he said although hes not done, things are starting to point towards the Rockets may be the worst officiated team in the last 5 years as far as changing the pace of the game.. Cant wait til hes done cuz hes a charts and video guy. Don't know how he has access to look at past games, but well see what turns up.
There was a sports illustrated article years ago where one of the nba refs admitted they make superstar calls. The paraphrased justification was that nobody pays money to go watch the role players. There is also this section of excerpts from Tim Donaghy's book to check out: http://deadspin.com/5392067/excerpts-from-the-book-the-nba-doesnt-want-you-to-read Granted Donaghy is a disgruntled ex-employee, but would it really surprise anyone if many of these examples were true?
^This would be awsome. I knew I was't the only one who thought the nba really hates us. But its seems we're always on the ass end of everything. No matter what is.....yeah sure they applaud our efforts but I didn't want to believe it but after that clippers game how can you not see it...the game was handed to the floppers (like somebody else said, nba's golden goose) on a silver platter if for nothing more to sell a couple more cp3 jerseys....
To use a specific case, yes Parker is hard to guard, but he simply falls down 90% of the time that he shoots, forcing the refs to make a quick decision. Inevitably, that decision is usually in his favor. We call this 'flopping'.
Didn't have time yesterday but I will try to get the vid for yest game and maybe a few others and break it down. Will also do that stats comparing positions I said earlier.
Superstars are superstars because they're better than the average player. Better players have the ball in their hands at the end of a close game. Better players drive and create contact to draw fouls. We needed a chart to show that superstar players = better than other players? Oh wow.
So you say when players like lowry drive and get hammered, it isn't a foul simply because he isn't a "superstar" but when paul gets breathed on it is a foul because he is better? They don't need any more help from the refs. Don't you think it is weird that superstars attempt more free throws in the final minutes of close games even though players from other teams drive just as much?
Affectionately called the "Jordan Rules" but they were created for Magic and Bird to help promote the NBA when Stern took over and he decided the league would thrive with "Super Stars" leading the way and their teams going deep into the playoffs to keep ratings high. Nothing he says or has said should come as a surprise or anything new.
They just got 3 straight calls and the Pistons player who was pushed as hard as any Clippers player didn't get any call
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How can you not be susceptible to superstar calls? Not play the team with the superstar? As long as the superstar plays, there will be calls.
Thats what they would have you believe but if they were calling the game right on both ends then some of these players wouldn't be looking so super