(08-18-2020, 01:54 AM)mavsluvr Wrote: Maybe the refs were too harsh — it’s certainly arguable.
I think it is not maybe, it is certain that they were too harsh. Their decision effectively decided the game and the refs are not there to decide games, players are. Refs are way behind the high standards of NBA basketball. I have seen so many blatant mistakes in just one season. Not missed fouls in traffic where it is difficult to see in a split second if it was all ball or hand. Blatant no calls like the two cases below
https://youtu.be/B4jx2D8DVDE (ref is directly looking at him and doesn't blow a whistle. I am also quite ok with that, because LeBron didn't get any advantage)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6AcGoc1E4w
As far as missed calls in traffic, you have to keep same criteria. You cannot stay silent after Zubac "blocks" KP and then a minute later whistle a foul for much less contact. Same criteria!
One of the main reasons for bad refs is they are not accountable for their mistakes, which leads to them thinking they are above everything. Just look at this KP case. Basically everybody watching was of opinion, that the call was weak (wrong). Famous former players/coaches now ESPN announcers, best players of the league, arguably even Clippers coach. Why? Because they understand the game and the refs don't. Because they want to watch best basketball. That little shoving was nothing serious, didn't affect anything and happens all the time. I wonder how many times it happened during season and refs didn't deliver technicals. The ref decision critically affected the game. The simple fact, that refs looked at video and considered that tossing KP out is the best decision, tells everything about them. They doubled down on that after the game by findind justification in the rules supporting their calls. Others (Cato below) might have found justifications that could be used to not give a T. Smart ref would have used that one!
https://twitter.com/tim_cato/status/1295559806997209088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1295559806997209088%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Farticles%2F2905146-kristaps-porzingis-ejection-gives-nba-playoffs-its-first-what-if-moment
(08-18-2020, 01:54 AM)mavsluvr Wrote: I know this will not be a popular take, but both of Porzee’s technicals were boneheaded “rookie-like” mistakes
I agree with that. Air punch is automatic technical, which is well known and I don't have a problem with that. Second one KP should stay out. Still, the ref could aslo be smart and not toss him out.
(08-18-2020, 01:54 AM)mavsluvr Wrote: MKG can shoot threes!
Let's not get enthusiastic after 3 shots and two makes
I am not buying he is a decent shooter until he has 200 shots with decent percentage