I watched the Cavs-Miami game last night with interest since the Heat are the defending NBA champions, and of course the fact that they have two of the game’s most compelling figures, Shaquille O’Neal and Dwayne Wade.  Put them together with LeBron James and you have the makings of a great matchup.  It’s too bad the contest was decided by three guys who didn’t play, the referees.

 

Coach Mike Brown complained about the officiating after the game, and I certainly can understand why.  Wade shot 24 free throws in the game the same number as the Cavs’ ENTIRE TEAM!  The wine and gold led by 12 points with eight minutes remaining before the refs took control of the game.  Wade started going to the hoop, and everytime he went he either scored or went to the free throw line.  Brown commented after the game that his defenders were backing off the former Marquette star and they were still blowing the whistle on the visitors.

 

I am not a conspiracy theorist.  I don’t think games are fixed.  However, when a game is as poorly officiated as last night’s was, somebody should be looking into it.  The game tape should be reviewed by league officials to examine whether or not the zebras (Monty McCutchen, Sean Corbin, and Leroy Richardson) did an acceptable job of officiating the game.  I know the superstars get the calls.  That’s the way it is in the NBA, whether we like it or not.  But when one player shoots as many free throws as a team, especially a team that has a winning record and a superstar, that’s questionable refereeing.

 

Wade made 12 free throws in the last seven and a half minutes of the game.  The Cavaliers did make mistakes down the stretch, turning the ball over, missing free throwns, and committing offensive fouls.  In a two minute span (from 7:00 to 5:00 remaining) the wine and gold took two shots.  Their other possessions resulted in turnovers.  Unless the rules of basketball have changed, you can’t score unless you get a shot off.  They also reverted to settling for three pointers and jump shots instead of taking the ball to the basket.  They didn’t play well down the stretch offensively.

 

They did try to win the game with defense, but the officials didn’t allow it.  They decided to give Miami every opportunity to win the game by putting Dwayne Wade on the line.  He made them and the Heat picked up a victory.  It’s tough to win when the game is officiated that way. 

 

KM