[Dark Horse]

The pundits tell us that in the playoffs defense wins the game. They forget to mention why. It has nothing to do with defense being superior to offense (without the NBA front office, the Suns would be in the drivers seat). The true reason defense wins championships in the NBA is the officiating. During the playoffs the refs allow hack jobs that would never see the light of day during the regular season. We all know how Bowen was allowed to hit Nash on the arm for the entire series, resulting in a large number of turnovers. We all know that LeBron was fouled on his final shot in game 2 that would have given the Cavs the win. I could go on but the examples are too many to list. This is, indeed, the main theme of the playoffs. By 'letting them play' the refs give the nod to the defense.

[Seattle Slew]

But what about last year when Wade shot 20 free throws per game? And the phantom call at the end of Game 5 to give the Heat the win when Wade wasn't touched going to the basket?

Can't comment much on this year since I haven't watched anything other than couple of games.

[austintx05]

Dark Horse is still crying huh?

[Wheell]

Statistically speaking it depends on the sport. In the NBA teams clearly play defense more aggressively in the playoffs, and yes, the officiating is definitive. As for crying, Wade and the NBA finals, the Seattle Seahawks, the Utah Jazz in MJ's final year, etc. The refs can always declare a victor.

[abacus30]

Dark Horse's point is valid, the refs do give the edge to the defense when they "let them play". Teams need to recognize this point and adjust their play accordingly - be more aggressive (especially on the defensive end) and not depend on the refs to call anything. Being consistent is what's most important with the refs. I would MUCH rather them error on the side of not blowing the whistle enough than to watch them call a bunch of ticky tack fouls or even worse, phantom calls.

[austintx05]

so we can complain when Wade gets every touch foul, but when Bron doesn't get called for enough it is a problem as well?

[Bill Dozer]

The NBA doesn't know what it wants. Back in the MJ days the defense had a chance to stop guys. You could body up your man and hand check. You had to earn it.

Now you can't touch the guy or it's foul. The result? Every kid out of high school scoring 50 in an NBA game tarnishing all the real records set by players with fundamentals. No one stands out. Kobe's 80 is the new 40.

Those same guys don't take pride in their D because there is no longer shame in getting beat to the hoop. Offense has too much of an advantage and that leads to more isolation play and less team ball.

I think the Suns lost because the played poor team D. I have to agree that too much of the game is in the refs hands now. With everything being a potential foul, they get to pick and choose.