The fact there was such a lop-sided disparity in foul shots called in Game 2 was not due to some dastardly plot by David Stern or his officials to fix the NBA Finals and create more drama heading back to LA. The bony skeletal hand of Arnold Rothstein did not emerge from the earth to drop a few sheckles by the refs dressing room prior to tip-off. Tim Donaghy was not reinstated after undergoing weeks of extensive plastic surgery to make him look older and shorter.
The Lakers were caught and called for more fouls because it's what the Celtiics forced them into. Boston came out for the second night in a row and not only stole, but perfectly played, what was to be the Lakers game plan. Waste no time smacking the other guy in the mouth, strike a little defensive wariness in his soul, and make him think that every time he touches the ball you're going to be all over him like a Bill Clinton accusation.
Watching almost helplessly while the Celtics poured in 14 more points than the Lakers in the 2nd quarter and 10 more in the 3rd is what made for desperate times and desperate measures. One would have to then assume that, according to the people wearing their Oliver Stone masks in the audience, the refs then hit the 4th quarter and decided to relax and artificially create the aura of an amazing comeback fallen short. Guessing these are the same people who believe "JFK" was historically accurate.
Too many people underestimated the Boston Celtics defense of this season. More than a few discounted their overall play because of the East vs. West bias, depending on which side of the Mississippi you live. They forgot about Kevin Garnett being happier when dishing to someone else for the dagger instead of delivering it himself. They decided to call amnesia in noting Paul Pierce can teach Kobe Bryant more than a thing or two about playing defense.
They won't forget now. And unless something drastically changes in the next 10 days or so, they will be reminded of it every time they read a story or view a tape of the 2008 NBA Finals.
Ed Berliner's "3 Ring Circus" commentary can be read exclusively here at The Bleacher Report. National commentary and opinions on every sport from a wide range of reporters, columnists and analysts can be heard 24/7 at www.speedingbulletnetwork.com.
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