Nice win by the Hawks tonight ... they outplayed the Celtics, (who outplayed themselves), had more energy, more heart, and more hustle. Now that I've said that, I'd like to state that I think it's a travesty that Al Horford was not hit with a technical for the crap he displayed at the end of the game. He's obviously trying to prove to the world that he's deserving of the "Classless Player of the Year" award, and he's certainly got my vote!
Here was an officiating crew, who seemingly were intent on not letting the Celtics get away with anything, and yet, even though taunting is not supposed to be allowed, they completely looked the other way when Horford ran past Pierce, as he was getting up off the floor, and after Al had made a basket, yelling taunts at Paul and making hand-gestures at him. He made even more gestures immediately following the game, and the only reason Paul didn't retaliate, is because Brian Scalabrine went onto the floor and physically restrained his captain.
SHAME on you, Bennett Salvatore, Violet Palmer, and Tom Washington! There have been few times in recent years when there was a more blatant bias exhibited in a playoff game, and where such immature behavior was allowed to go unpunished. You spent every moment of this game looking for ways to give advantage to the lesser team, and if that wasn't bad enough, simply looked the other way when a player exhibited clearly taunting behavior, behavior that would be quickly nipped in the bud by any official of true character.
Sure, this stuff goes on all the time in small doses, mostly when the officials are looking elsewhere, but this was very clearly in Pierce's face, after he'd gone to the floor, and nationally televised for the world to see. By allowing this kind of garbage to go on without consequence, you're setting a poor standard for behavior to come. Why, I ask, in a game where the refs were so intent on keeping the Celtics restrained, would they allow the opponent to be so clearly over-the-line?
Double-standard? Bias? Hypocritical? Yup ... on all counts, and extremely shameful to say the least. I've seen a lot of games this year that really called into question the integrity of the NBA officiating staff, but this one was as bad as any, if not more so. All I can say is I hope somebody of import was watching, because this blatant control of the outcome of games, and the obvious preference given to some teams and not others, can not be allowed to continue. The refs should have to answer to a higher power, (at least one more effective than the present one), and should have to suffer consequences when such inbalances are intentionally created.
I'm not really too worried about Horford ... he'll no doubt be getting his from Pierce and the rest of the Celtics in the next game. In fact, if I were him, I'd be a bit apprehensive about what retribution will be focused on him in the game on Monday ... it will no doubt be harsh indeed. But these officials continue to get away with this blatant bias for the underdog, or teams they just feel "warmer" toward, and it's time it was scrutinized in the same way the players are.
Somebody like Horford is easy to deal with ... he's an arrogant jerk who makes no effort to hide it, and the C's, as well as his running mouth, will take care of him. It's the guys with the whistles that worry me ... who is it that will take them to task, and how far will it go before someone does?