10 Biggest Injustices of the 2012 NBA Playoffs

The 2012 NBA playoffs are firmly upon us, with the Conference Finals taking shape via three definitive victories from the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs, collectively. Along the way to this point in the postseason we've had our fair share of legendary moments and head-scratching instances.

If we're honest, there have been a bit more of the latter.

For whatever reason, the "what was that?" moments have been limitless. From horrific refereeing to displays of immaturity, the 2012 NBA postseason has had it all. Here's a list of the 10 worst offenses of all.

10. Boston Celtics' Game 1 Technical Fouls

With the exception of Rajon Rondo's slight shove, not a single one of the Boston Celtics' technical fouls came with solid reason. By "solid," of course, I'm referring to any resemblance of reason or rationale.

There's no way to justify yet another poor call by Mr. Crawford and the gang.

9. Udonis Haslem Crosses the Line, Miami Fans Rejoice

Retaliation is an age-old tactic in all of professional sports. That's why when Tyler Hansbrough Dwyane Wade" target="_self" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9gPIbdCzmc">controversially fouled Dwyane Wade, it was only right to expect the Heat to react with a display of physicality. Udonis Haslem, however, clearly crossed the line.

Rather than commit a hard foul to send a message, Haslem connected on a double-fisted punch to the face with no intent of pursuing the basketball. While some will contest Haslem's suspension was unwarranted, it's clear that it was not. Acts of barbarism must not go unpunished.

8. No Recognition for Mike Conley, Jr.

In a matchup with, arguably, the best point guard in the NBA, Mike Conley, Jr. held his own and then some.

Conley shot 50.0 percent from distance, converting on 11-of-22 attempts from beyond the arc. He also put up averages of 14.1 points, 7.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game, all improvements over his regular season averages. Forcing Paul into three games with at least four turnovers was just an added bonus.

As were his five three-pointers in the Game 1 that Memphis should have closed out.

In spite of his performances, Conley has gone overlooked due to his team's early exit. It's quite a shame, as Conley has emerged into one of the premier point guards in the NBA.

7. Frank Vogel Fined for Speaking the Truth

I know what the rules are, but come on now. A man can't say what the rest of us are thinking without being down $15,000? In the case of Frank Vogel, apparently not.

The Indiana Pacers' head coach dropped a line of knowledge and, in turn, was fined that hefty amount for it.

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"It’ll be very interesting to see how the referees officiate the series and how much flopping they reward...every drive to the basket they have guys not making a play on the ball, but sliding in front of drivers. Often times they’re falling down even before contact is even being made. It’ll be interesting to see how the series is officiated.”

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Say what you will about the choice of words, just be sure to acknowledge the facts. You know, like Vogel did.

6. Durant for the Win...

There is no denying how brilliant Kevin Durant has been with the game on the line. His poise, maturity and infectious confidence have been traits that go well beyond his years-of-age.

But why is he taking the shots to begin with?

In Game 1 of the Oklahoma City Thunder's series with the Dallas Mavericks, Durant was 9-of-26 from the floor entering the final possession. Russell Westbrook, meanwhile, had scored 28 points on 13-of-23 shooting, including seven points on 3-of-5 shooting in the fourth quarter.

So why is it that Westbrook was an afterthought with the game on the line?

I am not going to debate how intelligent it is to put the ball in Durant's hands during crunch time, as that approach would be foolish. What I will say, however, is that a second legacy could have been defined early in a career had we seen what Russell Westbrook would do with the focus on him and the final seconds ticking away.

Should have, would have, could have... Did not.

5. Rajon Rondo's Inconsistent Effort

There's something to say for a player who tallies a triple-double whenever he gives 100 percent. There's also something to say for a player who fails to give a full effort in the postseason, when his teammates are doing all they can to win one last title.

Whether it's rushed passes, weak attempts at the ball or his uncharacteristically lackluster passes, Rondo has offered critics plenty of material to focus on. It's also led to some underwhelming performances by the Celtics as a whole.

4. Kobe Bryant Goes Home Early

Kobe Bryant was, arguably, the best player in the postseason while active. Unfortunately, he played on a team that performed like they were destined for the lottery.

Despite Bryant's postseason average of 30.0 points, including two 40-plus point performances and three others with at least 36, the Lakers won just five out of 12 games they played. That streak included 42 points in the deciding Game 5, which saw Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol combine for just 24 points on 9-of-24 shooting.

The Thunder's other Big Three members, with the exclusion of Kevin Durant, combined for 45 points on 18-of-35 shooting. No matter which way you cut it, Bynum and Gasol were non-factors in the Lakers' attempt to win a title. Quite a shame, as Kobe put on one of the best individual performances of the postseason.

Postseason Averages: 25.00 PER—30.0 PPG—4.8 RPG—4.3 APG—1.3 SPG

3. Memphis Grizzlies Blow a 27-Point Lead

Credit is due where credit is due: The Los Angeles Clippers were phenomenal in Game 1 of their series with the Memphis Grizzlies. But let's be real for a second, folks.

What title contender blows a 27-point lead in the fourth quarter of a playoff game? This is an injustice to those who supported the Memphis Grizzlies, those who chose them as dark horse title contenders and the players and coaches themselves.

2. Erik Spoelstra the Conspiracy Theorist

I'm as fed up with the referees as the next guy, but what Erik Spoelstra said was just ridiculous. Call their decision-making into question but never question a man's integrity.

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"The league does not have a problem with hard fouls on our two main guys," Spoelstra said. "In nine games now, there's been over a dozen hard fouls to the face, some of the tomahawk variety, some have drawn blood. They don't have a problem with it so we don't have a problem with it. We'll focus on what we can control."

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Yes, Mr. Spoelstra. The NBA is encouraging that teams attack your players and risk their physical health. Just like the NBA Finals were fixed last year, right?

1. Amar'e Stoudemire Cuts Hand, Cripples Team

When you're playing a team like the Miami Heat, you need all hands on deck. When you're a $100 million man, you need to put both of your hands on the basketball and will your team to victory.

Not sever half of your hand off.

While we could debate whether or not the Knicks could have pulled the W off with or without Amar'e Stoudemire, it cannot be argued how important he is to the team's success. There was nothing more disappointing, no greater injustice, than what Stoudemire did to his team by injuring himself in a fit of a anger.