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Lakers' Whining Won Game 5

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted May 28, 2009 12:15 PM CDT

(Newser) – The NBA fined Lakers coach Phil Jackson $50,000 for complaining about the officiating in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals, but the frustrated Nuggets think it was money well spent. They got whistled 30 times in last night's Game 5, and they’re angry, reports Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post. “Every player in my locker room is frustrated,” said coach George Karl.

“The Lakers paid $50,000 to win that game,” complained one player. Kiszla agrees: "Jackson yanked the NBA with his trademark manipulative tactics, and the refs jumped like puppets on a string." Asked if he had indeed been trying to plant seeds in the officials’ heads, Jackson laughed. “I’m a gardener,” he said. “I like planting seeds … constantly.”

Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl argues a call with referee Bob Delaney in this file photo.
Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl argues a call with referee Bob Delaney in this file photo.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, right, puts up a shot as Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol of Spain defends during the second half of Game 5, May 27, 2009.
Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, right, puts up a shot as Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol of Spain defends during the second half of Game 5, May 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith reacts as the clock winds down in the final minute as Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant looks on during the second half at Game 5 in the NBA Western Conference finals playoff basketball series, May 27, 2009.
Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith reacts as the clock winds down in the final minute as Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant looks on during the second half at Game 5 in the NBA Western Conference finals...   (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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After the disheartening loss, the angry whisper was that Jackson yanked the NBA with his trademark manipulative tactics, and the refs jumped like puppets on a string. - Mark Kiszla

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
sysco9
May 28, 2009 7:10 AM CDT
this is exactly what happened in the 2002 playoffs when the Sacramento Kings got the worst end of the stick vs the Lakers. With the confessions of a few refs there was enough evidence proving that "the league" aka David Stern encouraged the refs to make calls in favor of the Lakers in game 6 to force a game 7. Forget the NBA...
godawgs
May 28, 2009 6:56 AM CDT
Watch the game and look at what it takes for Denver to called for a foul, and what it takes for any laker to get called for a foul. Nene has fouled out 3 times in this series already, and I know that Kobe is good but he doesn't get fouled every time he drives or shoots. The NBA would love to see a Kobe vs. Lebron finals but I don't think that is going to happen but the refs are trying to make sure that one of the two get there. The officiating has been extremely biased in both series. If Kobe or Lebron get breathed on wrong then there is a foul called. Denver has dominated this series but they can only do so much when their players are constantly in foul trouble. When the ref's call a game somewhat how it is supposed to be called the Lakers got beat by like 19.
cnguyen
May 28, 2009 6:00 AM CDT
to be fair, the reffing throughout the whole playoffs has been horrible. have to wonder if the refs get paid for each T they call..
 

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