Tim Donaghy Claims Corruption in NBA Finals

Exactly. There is no direct financial incentive for the NBA to extend the series.

 

Do I think that superstars get the same officiating as everyone else, or that homecourt doesn't have an influence? Of course not, but that's a long way from saying that the league intentionally fixes the outcomes of games. Donaghy was caught with his hand in the cookie jar and wants to downplay his own guilt by casting aspersions on the league in general. I have no time for him and no time for conspiracy theories. If I did think that the fix was in on a regular basis, I guess I'd have two choices: 1) just watch college ball where things are less tainted; or 2) accept that the fix is in like it is in professional "wrestling" and just watch for the show. Thinking that the fix is in, continuing to watch anyway, and then whining about the fix being in seems a bit idiotic to me.

 

sidebar: I watch very little NCAA, but their bball officials are trash.

 

Nope, the ratings have been extremely high, in spite of the early blowouts. Game 1 was the highest rated Game 1 since 1998. And, although three of the first four games were blowouts: "Though down from last year, the series trails only last year as ABC’s most-watched NBA Finals through four games."

I had also read a couple days ago, that the NBA's payout from ABC was locked in after Game 4.

Also, Games 6 and 7 of the Western Conference Finals set ratings records. The Warriors are a TV ratings juggernaut. They killed it in the finals the last two years and the WCF this year.

BNM

 

It's like a "reality" show.

 

Does the NBA even get more money if the finals go more games? They have a contract with the networks, but not sure if the contract has "kickers" that will up the anty under certain circumstances. I think Draymond's suspension has been a long way coming.

 

There's an indirect one. Next time the networks negotiate the next contract, their bid will be based upon the revenue from the current contract...which will be higher because of any extra playoff games that got played.

 

Nope, the next contract is already signed, sealed and delivered. It runs for nine years starting next October. As I've already mentioned, when the next, next contract is up for negotiation, it will be based on performance on the then 8-year old current contract, not stale data from over 9 years prior.

BNM

 

absolutely, future contracts, whenever they are, are about reputation.

 

Curry's wife tweeted that the finals are rigged.

 

Does she think they were rigged last year, too? Funny how the most entitled fans are the quickest to complain when the tide turns.

BNM

 

I don't necessarily think the NBA cares who wins, but I think they want an exciting Finals.

They got A LOT of shit over those Nets/Spurs finals. They're selling a product and they want it to be exciting. I have a hard time believing the validity.

 

She was pissed about her husband fouling out on a BS call, essentially eliminating any chance of a GS comeback. (That didn't happen last year).

 

They can sell LBJ, they can also sell Curry. They've got their 7 games, I don't think they care, NOW.

 

The inability to stop CLE from scoring at will is what cost her husband's team any chance they had at a comeback. They gave up 35 points in the 4th quarter and that had nothing to do with the officiating. Giving up 35 points in a quarter when you start down by 9 isn't exactly the best recipe for a comeback victory - with, or without Steph Curry.

But, I hope that's what the Warriors are focused on - blaming the officials and not looking in the mirror and making the adjustments they'll need to make to win Game 7. For a defending champion that won 73 regular season games, GSW is surprisingly mentally weak. When things don't go their way they implode and start pouting like spoiled little brats. They certainly haven't carried themselves like champions in these playoffs.

BNM

 

I honestly don't think I've ever seen such an entitled team. There's just zero professionalism or workman-like attitude. The Bulls would just go out and beat teams. Business as usual. The Warriors want wins handed to them.

 

It was a BS call but the 10m he spent reaching before that he could have been called for his last foul on any of those. It really was just a matter of time the way Curry was playing before he fouled out.