Not just am I one of the vital biggest NBA conspiracy theorists at the planet, but I also happen to live right smack within the heart of the Bay Area, not more than a well-struck 5-iron from AT&T Park. 

I believe that Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals between the l. a. Lakers and the Sacramento Kings was one of the crucial highly suspect American physical activities to happen on this millennium. In that matchup, with the Kings holding a 3-2 lead within the series, L. a. attempted 40 free throws to Sacramento’s 25. Within the fourth quarter alone, the Lakers went 21/27 from the road while the Kings converted just seven of nine attempts.

The Lakers went directly to win that game by a last score of 106-102 before closing out the series two nights later in Sacramento.

I also believe that the fix was in in the course of the 1985 NBA Draft Lottery when the brand new York Knicks landed Georgetown’s Patrick Ewing way to any combination of the “Frozen Envelope” or “Bent Corner” theories. See for yourself how one envelope is treated differently then the entire rest when being placed into the circular container. Wouldn't it shock you to be told that the envelope in question in order that happened to contain a placard inside adorned with a brand new York Knicks emblem?

Yet, despite both my unwavering support for the Golden State Warriors coupled with my occasional distrust of the National Basketball Association, I don’t believe there's any reason to query the officiating that came about Thursday night in Cleveland when the Cavaliers won Game 6 115-101 and extended the series to a do-or-die Game 7 scheduled for Sunday night in Oakland. I remember the fact that referee Scott Foster’s presence at the court that night is worthy of a few eyebrow-raising when you think about the truth that Golden State is now 26-8 (.812) in playoff games during the last two year’s without Foster calling the sport and just 5-5 (.500) with Foster at the floor. I also realize that it's without question within the best interest of the NBA for this series to head the gap whilst you think about both ratings and revenue. 

But the secret is that Golden State came up short in Cleveland on Thursday for a number of reasons unrelated to the officiating, which assessed exactly 25 fouls on both the soldiers and Cavaliers, with that distribution happening as follows:

First quarter: Warriors with 6 fouls, Cavaliers with 4Second quarter: Warriors with 8 fouls, Cavaliers with 9Third quarter: Warriors with 4 fouls, Cavaliers with 4Fourth quarter: Warriors with 7 fouls, Cavaliers with 8

But as a sports talk radio host within the Bay Area, Friday morning presented a chance to listen to from the Golden State fan base about all the issues that would possibly prevent this club from winning its second championship in as a few years. Despite being listed as a 5-point favorite for Game 7 in conjunction with the truth that this team has gone 98-8 at home within the regular season and playoffs combined during the last two seasons, Warriors fans are nervous. Here’s why:

1. The disastrous play of Harrison Barnes: The 24-year-old from Ames, Iowa turned down a 4-year, $64 million contract extension last offseason because he felt a much bigger deal was waiting at the open market. Perhaps that’s true, but Barnes has did not live as much as expectations this season and have been absolutely dreadful during the last two games of this series. In Games 5 and six combined, Barnes is 2/22 from the ground (0/2 from the road) and has missed each of his last 15 shots. In addition, Barnes is shooting just 30.4 percent (7/23) through the playoffs on three-point shots during which he has 10+ feet of room to function. If the North Carolina product comes up woefully short again in Game 7, the soldiers could find their backs against the wall come the fourth quarter.

2. The lack of Andrew Bogut: Entering Game 6, Bogut had notched 20 or more minutes of action just five times in 22 playoff contests. However the big man’s minutes were instrumental with reference to both rim protection and Golden State’s high pick-and-roll game, where Bogut played an integral role in helping to disencumber sharpshooters Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Without Bogut at the floor, LeBron James have been relentless in his attacking of the rim and Tristan Thompson has had a field day at the glass. Backups Festus Ezeli and Anderson Varejao have played sub-par basketball at best, leaving many to wonder what adjustments, if any, head coach Steve Kerr will make for Game 7.

3. LeBron James: In Games 5 and six combined, the two-time champ has scored 82 points (56.1 percent from the ground) with 24 rebounds, 18 assists, 7 steals and six blocks with just three turnovers committed in 85 of a potential 96 minutes. Yeah, I’ve got no reservations about venturing out onto that precipitous ledge and stating that LeBron James is a concern.

4. The cautious play of Draymond Green: He was suspended for Game 5 way to yet one more altercation involving an opposing player’s groin region and played quiet, timid and ineffective basketball in Game 6 for fear of having himself suspended for a potential Game 7. This was predictable for the reason that very same thing happened within the Oklahoma City series after Green’s altercation with Steven Adams. But there are not any more games to be played after Sunday night, meaning the soldiers are free to let Green off the leash to again resume his role because the team’s Most worthy defensive player. That is perhaps the least of the fan base’s concerns heading into Game 7.

5. The officiating: For the entire reasons listed originally of this story coupled with the truth that Steph Curry’s wife, Ayesha, didn’t do the team any favors when she tweeted a scathing takedown of the league that included the word “rigged” with regard to how Game 6 played out. The good news is that Scott Foster won’t be at the floor to officiate Game 7. The bad news is that his buddies can be working the sport they usually would possibly not take too kindly to such an accusation. 

Despite all the reasons listed above, I still just like the Golden State Warriors to emerge victorious in Game 7 while simultaneously putting the cherry on top of this remarkable and historic 73-win season ice cream sundae. 

However, if you happen to question me even if I’m willing to put the 5-points to back up my opinion, I’d politely let you know “no thanks,” but would suggest the over (206.5) looks mighty appealing.

Read More... [Source: Covers.com: NBA News and Stories]