How will Stern decide the outcome of the Thunder-Lakers series?

[Jacob1983]

Any ideas? Is it possible he might want the Thunder to come back and win this series in a way to market Durant as the "best player" in the NBA? Or could he just want the series to go to 7 games and the Lakers win a nail biter in LA with Kobe getting the game winning shot? Personally, I would love to see the Thunder beat the Lakers. It would be awesome. However, I don't think it's gonna happen. Stern would lose money if the Thunder get to the 2nd round because that means the Lakers would not be in the 2nd round and would not have a chance at getting back to the Finals.

[jestersmash]

Stern can only control games via refs so much, though.

I mean, you can only control games via rewarding or denying foul calls on "ticky-tack" fouls that can "go either way" (literally).

If L.A. or OKC straight up dominates the other opponent (e.g. one team shoots 60% while the other team shoots 35%), Stern won't have the option of controlling the outcome.

Fortunately, the good thing for Stern is that OKC and L.A. are relatively evenly matched up, even if tonight's performance does not suggest it.

[DJ Mbenga]

he just turned this series into a 3 game series.

[024]

i think stern told the refs to teach phil jackson a lesson and they did. lakers will win it in 6 if jackson keeps his mouth shut.

[pauls931]

Stern can't control what the Kobe do.

[Giuseppe]

But, Stern did control what the Amare & the Diaw did.

tee, hee.

[pauls931]

But, Stern did control what the Amare & the Diaw did.

tee, hee.

Suns did that to themselves. I need to stop replying, I can feel my IQ dropping reading and replying to your posts.

[Giuseppe]

True. You usually don't let me take yer pants down like this.