Games like that one actually reinforce my belief that calls can make the difference in a game very easily. I realize how 1 call could have given us an L.

well depends who we play in the ECF's... thats an asumption but i'll make it... if we play boston i don't hold hope out for a fair shake, we'll have to win 5 on 8, but anybody else we should be getting a decent call... cleveland drew so poorly in the finals last year i doubt that the league really is wanting a replay of that.

But IMO to say that is to place more importance on that one play than all of the others. For example Stuckey passed up an open look at the end of regulation that resulted in Prince taking a long forced shot. Had Stuckey shot that instead it could've been game over in regulation.

I didn't get to see the game but I'm sure there were several other plays (forced shots or lack of aggression on offense, missed rotations on defense, failure to box out on some rebounds, etc.) that went "against" the Pistons but could have changed the outcome of the game since it was so close.

We are talking about officials impacting the outcome of the game. You are talking about players impacting the outcome. These are two different things and I am perfectly fine with players impacting and deciding the outcome of the game. It is possible that Stuckey makes the shot and Pistons win, it is also possible that Suns take a time-out after that, set up a play and drain a 3-pointer and win the game. Anything is possible.
But refs shouldn't be making calls that impact the outcome, and that's the bottom line.

If, it`s the incorrect call, of course!!!!!

Put me in a ref's uniform, let me work every Pistons' game, and I could get us a ship without being obvious about it.

Not complaining. I'm always just a little unsettled about how easy it would be to do and to conceal.

Look at Donaghy. Nobody was on to him even though the statistical evidence was blatant that he was manipulating games. Think how many people were called whiners thoughout the years as they complained about his calls on their forums.

I don't want to rehash our previous discussions about this. It's a structural reality of the game of basketball. It is a difficult game to officiate and we seem to have very ethical guys reffing games. Since it is usually when things don't go our way that we bring up the problems, I thought I would mention it when we got the benefit for once.

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"I’ll just say this: We’re not talking to teams about their second- or third-best players." Joe Dumars talking about his plan to get other teams' 4th best players.

I agree. But I also would like to add that it seems like some refs are have personal issues with some of the players. And it is not necessarily something like Nies and Pistons. I am sure nearly every team can point to an official who is consistently making a call against them and has a very short fuse when it comes to certain teams or players. Imagine Sheed or Amare going berserk like d'Anthony... Either would be T'd before we could type WTF. The inconsistency is what is pissing everyone off.

Um...I have an idea, why refs are so "inconsistent": when player knows that particular ref whistles only in certain situations then player just avoids those but ref wants to keep line where player is not sure when ref blows so it may be better to avoid every kind of mistakes by player.

Lpgrl, did you find a way to watch this Phoenix/Detroit game yet? I know what you mean about League Pass Online. I've had some serious problems accessing it myself and have written threatening emails to the Help section. They fixed it within 48 hours, but hell by then the game I wanted was gone.

So, here's the deal. Do you have a VCR? Because I have this game taped (VHS, not CD) and I would be more than happy to send it to you if you and I were to write up a binding contract that you would return it to me in a timely fashion! I laugh, but I'm serious. I tape every Pistons game and then after the playoffs I inventory and decide which ones to keep from the season and which ones to tape over. I know I know...it borders on obsession...No it is obsession. I readily admit it and I'm sure you understand.

This game is definitely a keeper. This was a great game and I will put it in the mail to you if you cross-your-heart-and-hope-to-die that you will send it back to me Otherwise, I will have to stalk you on the forum...like...you know...

Whaddya think? I think...an offer you can't refuse, no?

P.S. How could you turn off your alarm and say F the Pistons when they were playing Phoenix? Unfathomable. I mean school is important and all...but priorities are priorities! LOL

Kim didn't we discuss last year that it was time for you to get a DVR so that you could have these games with out worrying about tapes?? You could hook up a DVD recorder and then moved them to a DVD when needed. I am sure HQ can find an extra DVR or Tivo box to send you to make this happen.

I have the second half of the game on my DVR and if LP rerally wants to see it and doesn't have a VCR, but has a DVD player I can transfer it to a DVD and send it...