Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
The general manager of the Boston Celtics was trying to understand how LeBron James could get to the free-throw line those 24 times, and so Danny Ainge stood in the hallway recreating a clear-path foul call to the NBA's vice president of referee operations, Joe Borgia. Ainge slid his feet, and tried to show how the Celtics defender had reached around to the Miami Heat star, how they were far too close to the rim for that call.
"How?" Ainge asked him.
They did some kind of a dance here late Wednesday night, Borgia and Ainge, the NBA official delivering his explanation, and Ainge, the ultimate contrarian, challenging the premises. And hey, how could Paul Pierce foul out again? How could the Heat get to the free-throw line 47 times? These were the things on Ainge's mind, and there would be no satisfaction coming out of here for these Celtics, no solace out of an epic effort and a historic performance out of Rajon Rondo. Ainge was persistent, polite and Borgia finally relented that he'd watch the film of the Heat's 115-111 Game 2 overtime victory
"I'm sure we missed five or six calls somewhere," Borgia said.
I'd forgotten about that clear path abomination, probably because LeBron James clanked both few throws and the Heat came away without any points.
I didn't want to rail on the officiating this morning. I wanted to bask in Rondo's glow. But I'm not there yet. I'm still hurting.
Maybe the Celtics will be on the receiving end of the officiating Friday night. And we'll all just accept it, because such is life in the NBA.
Sigh. If I want fair officiating, I can always watch the NHL or NFL.
Related links: Herald – Foul odor detected in Miami | CSNNE – Questionable calls: Pierce fouls out, non call on Rondo | ESPN Boston – Cs won't blame refs, distractions
On Page 2, Wally Szczberiak takes shots at KG.
Wally Szczberiak is one to hold a grudge. He and KG hated each other during their playing days in Minnesota. The two fought after practice in 2000.
I'm guessing Garnett wasn't a fan of Wally's "I don't play defense because I don't want to mess up my pretty face" mentality.
The rest of the links:
Herald – Celtics wilt in Heat of OT | Rajon Rondo gives his best | Celtics can't finish job on Wade | Rondo, Ray rise to occassion | WEEI – Rondo game got away | ESPN Boston – Celtics best not good enough | Rondo deserved better | Some assistance was needed | CSNNE – Rondo hot, Heat hotter |
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