I've seen worse, but there are some serious inconsistencies. The best way to say it might be, "I don't have any issue that I don't already have with NBA officiating." NBA officiating has historically been bad, but I do think it has improved some. However, it still has a long way to go. Sports officials should be doing work that doesn't get noticed. In an ideal world, the players themselves should be able to enforce and recognize the rules of the game (one of the reasons I love curling is because it is primarily self-officated). If the decision making of the officials must be considered as part of a game's outcome, then it is being officiated poorly.
- Inconsistent application of rules is frustrating.
- A lack of instant replay on meaningful plays throughout the game is totally uncalled for. If the coaches and players can say "just look at the replay on the screen" and you don't have the ability to do so by rule, then its time to change the rules. If there is one thing that the NBA could do to help games, it is approve a wide variety of reviewable calls throughout the game. There is no reason to get things wrong throughout the game, like possession calls, and then magically gain the ability to review them in the last 2 minutes. Especially at the level of the Finals, ANY play can be an important play and EVERY play has significance. Officials should have the ability to get the call correct rather than guess.
To ESPN: ANNOUNCERS
I'm just about done with announcers. ESPN's coverage has been consistently eroding over the last few years, and it is now just a joke. Its troublesome that this must be said, but people don't watch sports because of the announcers. Sports fans buy tickets and tune in on TV/radio for the game, not mindless talking heads.
- In general, these TV announcers seem to have placed some heavy bets on Cleveland - their on air bias towards the Cavs is embarrassing and pitiable.
- Ignoring their network's own camera work to manufacture a massive debate isn't intelligent - its dumb. Please, don't say things happened that the video shows didn't happen and vice-versa.
- Applying the word "controversial" to random calls and coaching decisions sounds idiotic.
- Please don't insult the players and fans by using the phrase "he wanted it more." That's ridiculous. To imply that a person or team will lose because they didn't want to win enough is degrading and uncalled for. If I played Lebron 1-on-1, I guarantee you I'd really want to win. Saying I beat Lebron in a round of ball would be a great party story. Sadly, I can guarantee that I would lose because Lebron is a far better student of basketball than I ever will be. Its not just a question of desire. Its a question of skill, work ethic, time, athleticism, etc.
- Please don't yell and argue with each other on the air. If I wanted to hear three people yell at and over each other all night long, I'd be watching Fox News or CNN.
- Just because someone played or coached basketball doesn't mean they're a good announcer. They may know a great deal about the game, but announcing is its own skill. For example, look at Vin Scully with the LA Dodgers. He didn't have a 15 year career as a baseball player, but his skill and experience as announcer combined with his love and knowledge of baseball produce the best announcing in all of pro sports. Most ex players and coaches are mediocre on-air personalities, at best.
- It was ridiculous that the Clippers and Spurs had to face each other in Round 1.
- The dirty play of the Houston Rockets was utterly uncalled for, and it is unfortunate that the NBA continues to be idle concerning such scenarios.
- James Harden is not "difficult to officiate," as some announcers have said. Officials simply need to call Harden for the many fouls he commits.
- Stephen Curry is the best basketball player to ever approach the game for one reason: he has the capacity and ability to out-maneuver anyone and then make shots that are difficult or impossible for most players.
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