So, I've been doing some research lately. I mean, the NBA has seemed a little fishy to me ever since the amazingly terrible phantom call on Marcus Camby in round one of the playoffs. And then there was the brutally officiated game 5 of the Celtics-Magic series during which Kendrick Perkins was ejected for uhh.... nothing? So it just got me thinking a little bit. Time to air out my conspiracy theory.
I think we can all agree that the two technical foul calls on Kendrick Perkins were utterly insane. But whatever. Bad calls happen. The part that gets me, though, is that they call that second tech on Perk to eject him. Throw away our chances at taking game 5. Then they let him back for game 6. What does that tell me? The NBA wanted Orlando to win game 5, but Boston to win game 6. I know, I know, you're going to say that's crazy. But hear me out. The NBA gave Orlando game 4, as well. In both games 4 and 5, Garnett and Rondo were whistled for 2 early fouls. Changes the momentum of the game in the Magic's favor. Understand that a Celtics sweep doesn't make much money for the NBA. They want money. They want games. They want ticket sales. So they extend series the distance whenever possible. Guess how many sweeps there have been in an NBA conference finals series in the last eight years? Yup. Zero.
Since the Donaghy era that clearly displayed how influential a referee can be in an NBA game, the NBA has kicked off its rigged era. Sure, it's not totally rigged from start to finish. But it is rigged enough that coming into these conference finals, the NBA made its choice. It would send these series to at least 5 or 6 games to maximize its profit. It would send Boston and L.A to the finals -- the two biggest markets, and the most money for the league. How did Phoenix win games 3 and 4? Amar'e went to the free throw line a bajillion times. How did Orlando win games 4 and 5? Celtic foul trouble, Perkins being tossed, Howard getting his way in the post. How did Boston close it out in game 6 despite the nervousness? Howard (4 fouls) and Nelson (5 fouls) weren't being given the preferential treatment they were in the previous two games. The NBA got its two prized possessions into the finals. Sure, being a Celtics fan, I'm elated about that. But I'm not blind to the truth. The NBA got exactly what they wanted -- because they can.
In the last eight years, there have been zero conference finals sweeps. In the previous eight before that, there were FIVE. Is that a coincidence, that teams aren't strong enough to sweep away their opponents anymore? Or is it a new era of a money-hungry corporation that dominates the sports media at all times? Think what you want, but on the heels of the Donaghy scandal, we all saw how easy it is for a referee to swing a game. Being a multi-billion dollar corporation, it is hard for me to see past the thought of the NBA using that knowledge to their advantage.
Vote 1 for I'm crazy and the NBA isn't rigged. Vote 5 for I'm right and the NBA is totally rigged.
So D- rob who do you think the NBA wants to win the championship? The celtics or Lakers? How many games will it take?
ReplyDeleteI think it doesn't matter. The amount of money they make doesn't get affected by who wins the title. The finals are the last event. All that matters is who plays in the finals. If the Magic and Suns were playing for the NBA title, you can bet the ratings would be much lower. The two biggest markets are now playing for the title. Just like they want it.
ReplyDeleteBut like I said... I'm not saying they pick these teams from the start. But I think the NBA extends series when they can to maximize their profit. And I think once the conference finals rolls around and there is only one series left on each side... they are playing a roll at that point. Not saying they contributed to the Celtics beating the Heat or the Cavaliers though. You follow me?
Damn right it's fixed. Do you remember the 2002 WCF where the Kings were absolutely screwed by atrocious calls?
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