Playoff Conspiracy Theories Continue

[GSH]

Tim Donoghy just did this interview, claiming that the NBA suspended Draymond to keep the Finals series alive longer: http://www.si.com/nba/2016/06/13/tim-donaghy-draymond-green-suspension-prolong-nba-finals-warriors-cavaliers

“I think when you look at the overt acts that Green has committed before, they were definitely more severe than this act, and yet he’s going to end up with a flagrant foul and suspension because of it,” Donaghy said. “In the past, I believe it was disregarded because [the Warriors] were down in the series. Here, they’re up in the series, so I think it’s a situation where, with that, it gives Cleveland a better chance of prolonging the series.”

First of all, Donoghy is a crazy bastard, and he's the one referee that we KNOW fixed games, so nothing he says is believable. I don't want to talk about any claims that idiot makes. BUT...the league keeps making decisions that fuel the conspiracy theories. The refs enforce rules selectively on the floor, and then the league enforces their rules just as selectively after the fact. To make matters worse, their explanations are often mind-numbingly stupid and insulting. Are they doing it on purpose to influence outcomes, and maximize profits? Nobody knows, but if they aren't the only other conclusion is that they have incredibly bad judgment.

These playoffs have been full of examples, but these two stand out in my mind:

1. When the OKC inbounder pushed Manu back from out of bounds, the refs failed to make the call, and the league claimed that none of the refs saw it happen. (That very likely changed the outcome of that game.) But when the Spurs intentionally fouled Westbrook on that inbounds, and the refs simply chose not to call it? Nobody could claim that the refs didn't see it - they just chose to ignore it that time. They always give that call in the NBA... ALWAYS. A lot of times I see teams get that call with only .1 seconds coming off the game clock. That one time, the refs chose to do something totally different. The Spurs made a mistake by letting Westbrook keep going. But the call is so obvious and automatic that they all thought it was a dead ball by then. There may be other examples of refs refusing to call an intentional foul in the last minute, but I can't think of any. I remember a lot of games where a team is down by double digits with seconds to go, and the refs still give them that call even though the game is out of reach.

2. Draymond intentionally kicked Adams in the balls - that much is undeniable. The refs saw it, and the league saw it on review. After all Draymond's other cheap shots and altercations, he should have been suspended a game without a second thought. I don't think anybody doubts that the league considered Draymond's value to GSW, and the effect it would likely have on the outcome of the series. I heard numerous commentators (and ex-players) talk about how they league doesn't want a series to be decided by something like that. Whether or not the league handed GSW that series, they definitely handed them the opportunity to win that series.


Whether it's an actual conspiracy or not, the league is incredibly selective with whistles, and with the way they apply their disciplinary actions. There is no disputing that veteran players get more "respect" than rookies, and stars get more respect than ordinary players. There's no question that nearly every play has an incident of carrying the basketball, but the refs almost never call it - but then, often at crucial times in games, they suddenly decide to blow that whistle. That's all bad enough. But when the league applies their disciplinary actions unequally - like when they allow one player to make contact with an official, while others are suspended without question? That fuels the claims of favoritism and bias.

The league office isn't stupid. They know that applying the rules uniformly would dampen the enthusiasm of many fans. I don't think they consciously favor one market, one team, or one player. But they favor ratings, and I think that influences their decisions at times. As long as they do that, conspiracy theories are going to be believed, and Tim Donoghy is going to have an audience. I think the league understands that - they just don't give a shit. The thing is, if they consider outcome at all in the way they make decisions, it may not be "rigged" but it's not exactly legit, either.

[TheGreatYacht]

:pop: Why is he complaining about the Thunder refs? Should've just took the "classy" route and called the Spurs players soft

[Proxy]

I feel like at this point, most of us have been watching basketball long enough to let it go after the game is over. What're you going to do about it? Nothing, but complain.

[manu2timdynasty]

:pop: Why is he complaining about the Thunder refs? Should've just took the "classy" route and called the Spurs players soft

Every damn thread....
https://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/66498766.jpg

[Stabula]

NBA is fake just like wrestling

[manu2timdynasty]

The NBA stopped fixing games after the Kobe/Shaq era. What happened to the Spurs was unfortunate but in no way a fix. Having said that I can see the NBA getting tired of Greens antics and likely prolonging the series as an added benefit.

[TheGreatYacht]

The NBA stopped fixing games after the Kobe/Shaq era. Having said that I can see the NBA getting tired of Greens antics and likely prolonging the series as an added benefit.
That makes sense, dumb ass.

[random21]

:pop: Why is he complaining about the Thunder refs? Should've just took the "classy" route and called the Spurs players soft

LMAOOOO

[manu2timdynasty]

That makes sense, dumb ass.

Every damn thread....https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/77/14/ce7714052927b72fa39ffe7a03227f9a.jpg

[.G.]

Attention, you say?

Hmmm...

[spurtech09]

Want this series to be over already....

[Spurtacular]

Donoghy is right a high percent of the time. The NBA has tried to discredit him based on his felonies; but the reality is he knows how that den of thieves operates.

[Spurtacular]

Hitting one guy in the nuts and not getting suspended (cos it hurts the Warriors) and hitting another in the nuts and getting suspended (cos the Warriors can take the hit) exactly shows how the league can manipulate things.

[SAGirl]

Too suspicious, specially bc Warriors were down and about to lose a series to OKC in which Raymond was kicking ppl in the nuts in the most overt fashion. Here, they are up and Raymonds same swipes at the nut area are not going to be let go.

But the fault is on Raymond why is he aiming at men's nuts so often?

[spurs10]

Too suspicious, specially bc Warriors were down and about to lose a series to OKC in which Raymond was kicking ppl in the nuts in the most overt fashion. Here, they are up and Raymonds same swipes at the nut area are not going to be let go.

But the fault is on Raymond why is he aiming at men's nuts so often? Well one thing for sure is that Draymond Green had it coming. Him not getting suspended before was preposterous. Whether they let that go to keep GSW in the series or prolong the series who knows. He seems like he's someone easily provoked. Really glad he finally got called out under any circumstances.

[Snaq O'Meal]

But the fault is on Raymond why is he aiming at men's nuts so often?

He was influenced by the lifestyle choices in the Bay Area. :)

[snickles]

OP's last paragraph nails it. its a big reason why my interest in the NBA, and pro sports in general, is in free fall.

[cjw]

The league upgraded the first Draymond kick to a flagrant 2. He wasn't suspended for the punch, but because it was upgraded to a flagrant 1 and 1+2+1 = 4 = automatic suspension (including the Beasley incident).

You say the kick was as bad if not worse than the punch. And the league agreed. It assessed a flagrant 2 retroactively, and a 1 retroactively for the punch.

Stop manipulating the facts to suit your argument. Neither Draymond antic directly caused the suspension, it was the combination of them.

[GSH]

Best moment of the Finals so far:

"After the game, Curry's furious wife Ayesha accused the game of being 'rigged for money'. "
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/steph-currys-wife-wants-you-to-believe-the-nba-is-rigged/

Curry hadn't gotten 5 fouls this whole season, and had never fouled out in his career. So when the refs finally do tag him, it's a conspiracy. :lol

For the record, the Cavs went at Curry last night - hard. He kept trying to initiate contact, but then fall back like he was the one to get fouled. The refs didn't bite. He got a couple of fouls that way, and most of the rest were no calls. I just hope they call the next game the same way. Who knows, maybe the league really did try to make the series go to 7 games, and that's why they didn't give the Warriors the benefit of their usual calls. But GSW gets by with more grabbing and pushing and moving screens than any team in the league, so fuck 'em. I enjoyed watching them whine, and seeing Klay run off to the locker room early. Curry's wife getting involved is just the icing on the cake.

[TheGoldStandard]

Best moment of the Finals so far:

"After the game, Curry's furious wife Ayesha accused the game of being 'rigged for money'. "
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/steph-currys-wife-wants-you-to-believe-the-nba-is-rigged/

Curry hadn't gotten 5 fouls this whole season, and had never fouled out in his career. So when the refs finally do tag him, it's a conspiracy. :lol

For the record, the Cavs went at Curry last night - hard. He kept trying to initiate contact, but then fall back like he was the one to get fouled. The refs didn't bite. He got a couple of fouls that way, and most of the rest were no calls. I just hope they call the next game the same way. Who knows, maybe the league really did try to make the series go to 7 games, and that's why they didn't give the Warriors the benefit of their usual calls. But GSW gets by with more grabbing and pushing and moving screens than any team in the league, so fuck 'em. I enjoyed watching them whine, and seeing Klay run off to the locker room early. Curry's wife getting involved is just the icing on the cake.

The reaction of the team and their significant other only proves how entitled this team thinks they are. They are so used to getting away with murder that they're shell shocked that anyone on their team could be in foul trouble. I can only hope that Iggy's injuries hobble him or keep him from being a major factor in Game 7 just so I can see the Warriors have to really prove they can win with their stars.

This performance by Curry the entire playoffs should really showcase to the league that he's undeserving of any unanimous vote for MVP.

[littlecoyotecoin]

That *IS* conspiratorial. Do you think they never could have fouled him out previously in his career? Especially being a waif in the league playing an aggressive swiping defense that generates lots of "turnovers" and "steals"? Of course they could have, but they choose not to for a face of the franchise playing heavy minutes. The notion that this was his most foul-ridden game of his career is highly unlikely. So, I wonder why the officials just happened to "see" the fouls this game.I haven't watched a game, yet, I figured I could just tune in for the inevitable game seven, should I chose to do so. Imagine that.
Best moment of the Finals so far:"After the game, Curry's furious wife Ayesha accused the game of being 'rigged for money'. " http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/steph-currys-wife-wants-you-to-believe-the-nba-is-rigged/Curry hadn't gotten 5 fouls this whole season, and had never fouled out in his career. So when the refs finally do tag him, it's a conspiracy. :lolFor the record, the Cavs went at Curry last night - hard. He kept trying to initiate contact, but then fall back like he was the one to get fouled. The refs didn't bite. He got a couple of fouls that way, and most of the rest were no calls. I just hope they call the next game the same way. Who knows, maybe the league really did try to make the series go to 7 games, and that's why they didn't give the Warriors the benefit of their usual calls. But GSW gets by with more grabbing and pushing and moving screens than any team in the league, so fuck 'em. I enjoyed watching them whine, and seeing Klay run off to the locker room early. Curry's wife getting involved is just the icing on the cake.

[ginobilized]

The Warriors sure make it easy to root against them.
Nut punches, mouth piece throwing, entitled whining, excessive posing.....yuck!

These conspiracy stories may or may not have any validity, but, the extreme complaining and public challenges of the officials and league could work against GS.
Cleveland has played the underdog, working man role very well and it is benefitting them. Sunday should settle it. It feels like the Warriors are on the ropes. We will see what they are really made of in Game 7.

[palangi]

That makes sense, dumb ass.
:clap:downspin:

Give the littleyacht the attention he craves!

[cjw]

That *IS* conspiratorial. Do you think they never could have fouled him out previously in his career? Especially being a waif in the league playing an aggressive swiping defense that generates lots of "turnovers" and "steals"? Of course they could have, but they choose not to for a face of the franchise playing heavy minutes. The notion that this was his most foul-ridden game of his career is highly unlikely. So, I wonder why the officials just happened to "see" the fouls this game.I haven't watched a game, yet, I figured I could just tune in for the inevitable game seven, should I chose to do so. Imagine that.

Kawhi had never fouled out in his career UNTIL the 2014 Finals when he fouled out twice. Game 2 (loss) and Game 5 (ended up being a pretty handy win).

In game 2, he entered halftime with just one foul but got four in the third quarter. Fouled out down 1 with five minutes to play.

Playoffs are a different animal than the regular season. Higher minutes / intensity / game planning (attacking guys you want to force out of the game with foul trouble) are all more common.


Reference:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&player_id=&match=game&year_min=2011&year_max=2016&age_min=0&age_max=99&team_id=SAS&opp_id=&is_playoffs=&round_id=&game_num_type=&game_num_min=&game_num_max=&game_month=&game_day=&game_location=&game_result=&is_starter=&is_active=&is_hof=&pos_is_g=Y&pos_is_gf=Y&pos_is_f=Y&pos_is_fg=Y&pos_is_fc=Y&pos_is_c=Y&pos_is_cf=Y&c1stat=pf&c1comp=gt&c1val=6&c2stat=&c2comp=gt&c2val=&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=pts

[littlecoyotecoin]

Kawhi had never fouled out in his career UNTIL the 2014 Finals when he fouled out twice. Game 2 (loss) and Game 5 (ended up being a pretty handy win).

In game 2, he entered halftime with just one foul but got four in the third quarter. Fouled out down 1 with five minutes to play.

Playoffs are a different animal than the regular season. Higher minutes / intensity / game planning (attacking guys you want to force out of the game with foul trouble) are all more common.


Reference:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&player_id=&match=game&year_min=2011&year_max=2016&age_min=0&age_max=99&team_id=SAS&opp_id=&is_playoffs=&round_id=&game_num_type=&game_num_min=&game_num_max=&game_month=&game_day=&game_location=&game_result=&is_starter=&is_active=&is_hof=&pos_is_g=Y&pos_is_gf=Y&pos_is_f=Y&pos_is_fg=Y&pos_is_fc=Y&pos_is_c=Y&pos_is_cf=Y&c1stat=pf&c1comp=gt&c1val=6&c2stat=&c2comp=gt&c2val=&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=pts

All of that can be true. Still doesn't mean they aren't calling the games differently to affect outcome. It just gives them a canned excuse to explain it away.

[Clipper Nation]

Donoghy is right a high percent of the time. The NBA has tried to discredit him based on his felonies; but the reality is he knows how that den of thieves operates.
:lol Donaghy's Dick Bavetta betting strategy alone would have cost you 11.8% of the money you wagered on average:

http://byuresearch.org/home/papers/price_tappen%20bavetta%20report.pdf

In fact, most of his strategies don't stand up to statistical scrutiny:

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/11340/tim-donaghys-claims-on-trial

The guy's full of shit, tbh. He rigged games, then tried to throw his coworkers under the bus to save his ass. He certainly doesn't know anything now since he's been out of the league for years, but that doesn't stop him from making shit up to get pageviews from today's NBA fans.

No doubt the league tries to influence games in order to favor certain teams, players and storylines (so does the NFL) - but Donaghy is a fraud.

[Spurtacular]

:lol Donaghy's Dick Bavetta betting strategy alone would have cost you 11.8% of the money you wagered on average:

http://byuresearch.org/home/papers/price_tappen%20bavetta%20report.pdf

In fact, most of his strategies don't stand up to statistical scrutiny:

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/11340/tim-donaghys-claims-on-trial

The guy's full of shit, tbh. He rigged games, then tried to throw his coworkers under the bus to save his ass. He certainly doesn't know anything now since he's been out of the league for years, but that doesn't stop him from making shit up to get pageviews from today's NBA fans.

No doubt the league tries to influence games in order to favor certain teams, players and storylines (so does the NFL) - but Donaghy is a fraud.

Donaghy wasn't even the worst cheater. He was the one that got rolled. And nobody was a bigger fraud than Stern.