Miami was on the tough end of some ridiculously soft fouls tonight. It re-emphasizes the point that the NBA appears to be rigged in some sense of the manner.
Interesting that the back court violation three at the end of the first quarter which should have been waived off ended up being the scoring difference between Dallas winning and losing despite Dirk missing the game tying score.
Good series to watch thus far.
I hate to lay credence to anything Donaghy is saying since the man seems 100% certifiable (which certainly says something about NBA refs, doesn't it) - but his statement that Mark Cuban's vocal nature is going to prevent this series from being swayed too far in Miami's favor is ringing true.
But, honestly, the Heat were not screwed by the refs last nite. There were some inept calls that went against but overall it was just one of the first fairly called games that Miami was involved with, so it seemed they were screwed. Again, this is the most physical team in the league. Their defenders cause the most contact, on the ball, off the ball, closing out, and rebounding. But because they have King James and Dwayne Wade on their squad, they rarely get called for it.
Miami was absolutely hacking the sh*t out of Dallas once again last nite, only difference was they got called for it more. Frankly, Dallas was on the end of a boatload of absurd calls themselves (Chandler getting called for a key loose ball foul when Anthony had his arm locked up into his??). These officials are so pathetic on both ends that it deters from the epicness of this series so far. And I still truly believe no one has explained traveling to Lebron James. I really couldn't hate him as a player any further, and his nightly efforts to destroy the game of basketball and its rules.
And Dallas didn't lose b/c of Dirk on the last play - his effort was the reason they were in the game at the end. Dallas lost b/c they let up too many times on defense. They have to be relentless against these Heat. And they are, 98% of the time. But Jason Kidd, especially, is prone to some soft defense. Up 3, Wade had the ball with 8 seconds left on the shot clock and stood at the perimeter, holding the ball. If Jason Kidd didn't realize that Wade was going to hoist a 3, he should retire right now. The idiot gives Wade 4 feet of space to create a shot and nail a game-changing 3.
I blame that loss on Kidd. It really shows you how awful these announcers are when Mark Jackson chimes in to give Kidd kudos for his defense. Are you kidding me (no pun intended)?? Kidd's defense was pathetic. It took amazing help defense from Chandler all night - who was a beast - to keep Wade from dropping 50 out there. Kidd could've been replaced with a mannequin and I don't think Wade would've had any more success.
Kidd's soft rotations, lazy efforts to close out, and just terrible one-on-one defense on the perimeter and when Wade penetrates could cost Dallas this series. He's the only guy on Dallas who doesn't look like he's absolutely busting his balls out there every play.
Unfortunately, Barea has been pretty crappy - on both ends - too.
