I thought FIFA was corrupt but the NBA really takes the cake.
Basically the NBA uses refereeing to literally micro manage the playoff results. Winning is basically a question of getting enough amount of free-throws and if you happen to be Lakers, NBA'll hand you out one almost every minute.
Case in point the previous game where Celtic doesn't get even one free throw until after halftime or something like that - and in the end Kobe & co ending up with twice the amout of free throws as the Celtics'. What a disgrace!
If you think the games have been decided by the refs and free-throws, you don't understand the game. Games 1 and 2 were both officiated horridly. The teams split those two.
Game 1:
Fouls-
Celtics-28
Lakers-24
FTs-
Celtics-31/36
Lakers-24/30
Game 2:
Fouls-
Celtics-29
Lakers-29
FTs-
Celtics- 20/26
Lakers- 31/41
So, both of the horribly officiated games were pretty even, with the Lakers getting the advantage in game 2 and the Celtics in game 1. Yet, they were the other game. Also, in game 2 was when Kobe got 5 fouls and sat out for much of the game. The Lakers were driving to the rim and relying on post play more than perimeter (as when Kobe is out of the game, their perimeter shooting plummets). Not to mention, Ray Allen's record-setting 3-pt performance and Rondo getting the triple-double. Also, tonight, the Celtic's had 10 FTA while the Lakers had 19. The Lakers were clearly the more aggressive team, driving to the paint. The Lakers were sharper on the defensive end, NOT fouling as much on some of the drives, which were pretty much limited to Paul Pierce.
What has been the telling stat is this- the team to win the rebounding battle has won every single game. Games 3 and 4 were even in FTs (Game 3) and Boston by 1 (Game 4), yet the scores were not vastly different from games 1 and 2. The team winning the rebounding, especially on the offensive glass, are effort plays a lot of the time, fighting for position, chasing down rebounds, etc. It makes complete sense when you look at the games and how each team performed and their demeanor during the games.
Also, another story-telling stat is- the team to lead after the first quarter has won every game, which also goes into what I was saying. The team that has come to win that night showed it from the get-go. Establishing their intensity and dominance from the start. Running the floor, extra effort plays, and stifling defense.
Instead of blaming refs, NBA, and/or Stern, people should look at their teams. That's what I've done and is the explanation. It's all about effort, confidence, and will-power. Their have been horrible calls and horrible non-calls for both teams all series. Have they been split 50/50 for each? Statistically, probably not. Do I think those were the deciding factors? No. And I think watching the games, looking at each team, and looking at the stats that are indicative of a team's effort are the story.
Point is- it's a game 7, which the majority of people predicted, yet, rarely happens, especially in the Finals. It's been a long time since there has been a 7-game Finals and we have one. Hopefully it will turn out to be epic and something to remember for many years to come with the Lakers taking the favorable outcome. I have no doubt each team will bring it and scrap until the final horn. Just enjoy the game and whatever happens, happens.