Actually, I do recall an article by Skip Bayless complaining that the officiating seemed to favor the Mavs in that series.
Here it is. You don't have to agree with Bayless's opinions or conclusions, but to say that "nobody" wrote anything criticizing the officiating in that series is not accurate.
That being said, I don't think any series in 2006, or any other year, was fixed, or I'd quit watching the NBA.
More on point to the original topic, if the Spurs do manage to pull off this series win against NO, and then go on to win the le, I think it just might be favorite le. They've looked so downright bad at times this season, and certainly against this team in this series, that to win would really show me special determination and heart.