As much as we jump on the refs around here when they make mistakes that cost the Blazers, it seems only fair that we give some props to last night's crew for doing a solid job of calling the game evenly. I thought that they showed some guts and made some calls against the Suns, Stoudemire in particular, that other crews might have been inclined to let go. I hope we see these guys again in this series.
Yes, it was very refreshing to watch a game and not feel like we were getting shafted the whole time.
Yep refs called a good game. I didn't catch who was the lead ref? I think it might have been Scott Foster.
it felt for the most part like they called the game straight up without an agenda. The first half I would have liked a few more calls going the Blazers way as they were regularly getting whacked on drives to the hoop while PHX was popping jumpers, but I thought the 2nd half was very legit. Great to see... good call on the OP STOMP
My only real complaint was that call on LA's pick where Nash clearly flopped. The game was on the line, Nash flops big-time, and they call it. Props to Nash for the sales job, and being a smart, savvy vet. But there was no foul, and it was pretty clear to me.
Agreed. There were the usual close calls and a few flops, but overall it was a very well officiated game.
What about that two handed "block" by martell towards the end. followed by a legit stuff. That could easily have been a foul.
They really let a lot go. 2 FT for the Suns in the entire first half. Personally, I like it that way, but I'm willing to bet that if the roles were reversed, we'd probably have several people in here complaining about the officiating from last night.
That was flat out ballin'. Yes 9 times out of ten that was a foul, but Martell jumped straight up with both arms straight in the air and didn't lean into the person he blocked. That entire defensive possesion was MAN'S work. Props to Martell.
I agree... It kills me that they always call that a foul. The rule of verticality clearly states that a player is entitled to the space directly above him. Martell jumped straight up, and absorbed the contact, that was created by the offensive player. Having said all that, I'm shocked they didn't call it, because they always do.
In last weeks Blazers/Lakers game, the announcers were talking about how the NBA is putting more emphasis on allowing verticality. Interesting, since there has been so many rule changes over the years to give offensive players more leeway.
That was the most balanced officiating I've seen in a long time. I hope we get the same crew for game 2.
