Lets get something clear: the refs during Game 2 of the NBA Finals decided Kobe Bryant’s slight elbow to create space, and anything like it, would result in a foul; but Rondo’s constant slaps on anyone driving passed him were ok. Consequently, the refs decided there was no way in hell that the Lakers were going to get to the free-throw line last night. We guess this is retribution for all of those horrific calls that went against UCLA’s opponents during March Madness. Phil Jackson’s not buying it.

(Laughing) I’m more struck at the fact that Leon Powe gets more foul shots than our whole team does in 14 minutes of play. That’s ridiculous. You can’t play from a deficit like that that we had in that half, 19 to 2 in the first half in situations like that. I’ve never seen a game like that in all these years I’ve coached in The Finals. Unbelievable.

And we agree. The refs were a catastrophe. But it would be obtuse to believe that fouls directed the game. Leon Powe’s coast-to-coast dunk redirected us to the Lakers paltry defense. That was the real LA killer. But, here are the stats? 38 free throws for the Celtics and 10 for the Lakers. We’re guessing the refs were simply trying to balance out the game because of Paul Pierce’s “sprained-knee” and all…(abstaining from Tim Donaghey joke).

Phil Jackson interview [LA Times, via Slam Online]
Image [NBA]