Officiating in this series

[sendai91]

I know that Houston fans are hot this morning about the officiating, and even AK admitted that his reaction to the "foul" by Scola contained some acting, but here's a couple of observations about the first two games so far:

Total personal fouls: Utah 43, Houston 37

Total free throws attempted: Houston 55, Utah 40

So, there's a clear disparity in the number of free throws that the Rockets have shot over the first two games that could be a result of any number of things: the Jazz's "dirty" style of play, home court advantage for the Rockets, etc,etc..

It's clear to me that the Rockets and their fans have nothing to really cry about in this discussion.

It is interesting though that we get calls at crucial times in Houston. If you've ever wondered why Stockton was so open on his three pointer that sent us to the Finals in 97, it was because Malone basically hog-tied the Houston defender and roped him to the ground. Best example of a moving screen and greatest no-call ever in Jazz history

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhDi0Ce_ ... re=related

[xstockholmsyndromex]

The officiating in the NBA this year has been ridiculous, so Im not suprised that it has been just as poor in the playoffs. I dont mind no calls or BS calls, just make it consistent on both ends and Im happy.

[Fido]

Well, we've been on both sides of huge no-calls (<cough>Jordan</cough>). Its a wash. That particular call was a foul on Scola since his arm was completely extended away from his body as he reached out and pushed AK away from going to defend McGrady. AK did bring attention to it by flailing his arms and flopping back but the cross-court pass to McGrady was possible since AK was kept on the baseline rather than moving in front of McGrady like he was trying to do.

And that play wasn't the reason the Jazz won the game. The Jazz played better and deserved the win. Whiny fans don't change that.

[HammerDunk]

Who's to say they would have won despite that call? TMac would have bricked again no doubt. They all know where the blame lies, they just don't want to admit it. Their superstar started his vacation in the 4th of both games, ours played hard in both 4ths. That's all there is to it.

[Duiz]

You want to know what I think? 16-26 Rockets Free Throw shooting

[TiMacMania]

guys were fine...i know the refs were not the reason we lost...but comon dont lie...if that call was against you guys..you would be complaining too..we lost fair and square...its not like it was a make out call..like vs dallas 3 years ago..you guys played hard all game and we didnt in the 4th..kudos to the jazz... i still think it could have been a no call but bah..game is over..lets move on you guys are better

but hey i still hate the jazz see ya in game 3

[carrottop12]

Considering the foul that Brooks committed on Deron when he was running out on a three pointer that Battier made that was never called, the Rockets fans crying falls on def ears.

[Neon Black]

yeah AK definitely sold the call, but that does not take away from the fact that their is bad officiating in almost every game, both ways. It's got to be tough to officiate a fast paced game like NBA basketball; there's always going to be some missed calls and calls from bad angles.

The Jazz have had some bad calls against them this season, including some in last nights game but i've tried to take the apporach that had they made their free throws/easy layups, played defense, etc...it wouldn't have mattered.

A team needs to look inwardly before blaming the refs.

[Reckless]

The refs really sucked that game

They let a lot of contact go, players were able to shove other players on rebounds

Refs had more bad calls against the jazz
- Brewer called for a blocking foul when Bobby Jackson wildly plowed him over
- Rockets knocking the ball out out of bounds, refs give the ball to Rockets and refuse to hear the jazz complaints
- Travelling call on D-will when replay showed that it was a BS call
- Ak grabbing a offensive rebound only to get smacked by Battier causing him to lose the ball
- Scola shoving Memo away from the rebound before the AK flop

[Dozer!]

I really cant believe the stuff that Scola gets away with. Is he not a rookie? He should of already been fouled out of that game.

[Mr.BattierMVP]

As a basketball fan before any personal affiliations, that flop ruined what would have been a great ending to a basketball game. Its too bad. I don't mind taking a loss when one gets outplayed but the way that game ended just didnt do it the justice to what was a overall a great game. Im sure we could argue all day about the reffing, fact is it was a very questionable call during crunch time so everyone immediately goes hostile on the refs irregardless of the rest of the game. This isn't the first time this has happened in the playoffs which is why there is such a bitterness. At the end of the day its not the main reason we lost but that doesn't mean it hurts any less.

On a personal note I played basketball for many years and still do with some regularity and for the life of me I can't understand how a player flops like that with the game on the line. Its basketball. Its the greatest sport on earth. Why ruin it like that? I understand doing everything it takes to win but at some point it just takes away from the glory of winning a basketball game. With 40 seconds left in the game, how to sell a call is the last thing should be the last thing on your mind.I would never let that stand for a team I played on. This is not meant to be a shot at AK47 he is obviously not the only flopper in the league but rather a reflection on a current flaw in the NBA. Then again I never played in the NBA.

Much love to Derron Williams-- great player. Not so much the Okur/Dirk types.

[Racer X]

Considering the foul that Brooks committed on Deron when he was running out on a three pointer that Battier made that was never called, the Rockets fans crying falls on def ears.

No kidding. That was ridiculous and dirty. Deron is running full speed and not even looking at Brooks and Brooks just steps into him his forearm.

[HammerDunk]

As a basketball fan before any personal affiliations, that flop ruined what would have been a great ending to a basketball game. Its too bad. I don't mind taking a loss when one gets outplayed but the way that game ended just didnt do it the justice to what was a overall a great game. Im sure we could argue all day about the reffing, fact is it was a very questionable call during crunch time so everyone immediately goes hostile on the refs irregardless of the rest of the game. This isn't the first time this has happened in the playoffs which is why there is such a bitterness. At the end of the day its not the main reason we lost but that doesn't mean it hurts any less.

On a personal note I played basketball for many years and still do with some regularity and for the life of me I can't understand how a player flops like that with the game on the line. Its basketball. Its the greatest sport on earth. Why ruin it like that? I understand doing everything it takes to win but at some point it just takes away from the glory of winning a basketball game. With 40 seconds left in the game, how to sell a call is the last thing should be the last thing on your mind.I would never let that stand for a team I played on. This is not meant to be a shot at AK47 he is obviously not the only flopper in the league but rather a reflection on a current flaw in the NBA. Then again I never played in the NBA.

Much love to Derron Williams-- great player. Not so much the Okur/Dirk types.

Oh cry me a frickin river. Can you imagine if Brewer tackled baby-mac to the floor as he was running out to guard a wide open 3? Can you imagine how insane the Rox fans would be over that? I would say that we have been pretty quiet about it considering a thick skulled play like that could have injured our star PG for the rest of the playoffs.

The fact that Scola had been pushing around down low all night makes the flop much less of a flop. Consider yourself lucky that he hadn't already fouled out. I have no idea where this guy earned his respect from the refs, but he is out of control.

The fact is, your team lost the game because they suck at free throws and your hero likes to fall asleep during the 4th quarters. Don't come cry to us, you won't get any pity here.

Actually, I have a lot of pity for Rox fans, as long as you have sleepy dwarf on your team, you'll never taste success. Sad but true.

[HouseofBoozer]

The refs were terrible, but terrible both ways.

[Duiz]

yawn. People like controversy I guess.

[moofs]

I really cant believe the stuff that Scola gets away with. Is he not a rookie? He should of already been fouled out of that game.

UM i think you .. um.. Stockton.. and that Malone guy.. er ... Okur. . Har.. pring.. I... really, I... I mean.. are you serious?

The fact that Scola had been pushing around down low all night makes the flop much less of a flop. Consider yourself lucky that he hadn't already fouled out. I have no idea where this guy earned his respect from the refs, but he is out of control.

He's nowhere near out of control. So Scola "pushes"/fouls excessively and your team doesn't? The Jazz have always been one of the most physical teams in the league. Goose, gander and all that malarkey.

Basically, yes. Scola is a very physical player. I've been trying to figure out what kind of metal alloy he's made out of all year long. He's not dirty though, and a lot of good teams have a hardnosed players like him on them. Come on, Utah is loaded with those kind of players, how can you complain about anyone else doing the same?

p.s. I really don't much want to post over here, but there are so many Utah fans beleaguering our board right now that I felt obligated to come and help even the tide. It's all about the parity and fairness, hoowah!

[Dozer!]

Umm, point I was making is he is a rookie, even if he is 28. I have never seen a rookie get this much respect from the refs. A normal rookie making contact like that would of fouled out of the first quarter. All star Boozer is getting into foul trouble with touch fouls, while Scola seems free to do what ever he wants. Lets see if they ref the same in Utah.

[HouseofBoozer]

-= original quote snipped =-



He's nowhere near out of control. So Scola "pushes"/fouls excessively and your team doesn't? The Jazz have always been one of the most physical teams in the league. Goose, gander and all that malarkey.

Basically, yes. Scola is a very physical player. I've been trying to figure out what kind of metal alloy he's made out of all year long. He's not dirty though, and a lot of good teams have a hardnosed players like him on them. Come on, Utah is loaded with those kind of players, how can you complain about anyone else doing the same?

p.s. I really don't much want to post over here, but there are so many Utah fans beleaguering our board right now that I felt obligated to come and help even the tide. It's all about the parity and fairness, hoowah!

You act mad now, save it til after you see what Boozer and Williams are allowed to do in the next two.

[moofs]

You act mad now, save it til after you see what Boozer and Williams are allowed to do in the next two.

Not mad at all, just pointing out the other side of the coin. What's the difference between losing in the first round or the second or third? We aren't deep enough to win the championship with Yao out, and given that, I don't care what round we bow out in short of having to hear "FIRST ROUND FIRST ROUND FIRST ROUND *SKWAAAWK*" for another month next year. Thanks for being original as always, Espn.

As far as the rookie thing, a foul is a foul. S'funny how all fans everywhere hate the refs yet nothing is ever done about any of them.

[qman]

Foul.