The 2001 playoffs have been fascinating, mostly because the nation is witnessing the maturation of some of the NBA's young stars. But just when you want to declare it like old times, the referee's whistle blows and the players go berserk. Sometimes, they actually have a point. The mind shifts to the strange science of refereeing in the NBA playoffs. It is incredibly scrutinized this time of year.
Players gripe about calls.
Coaches lobby for their stars. The general public wonders whether it's justified bellyaching or disrespectful players and coaches. And, somehow, a referee is called on to satisfy all of these unwritten playoff rules plus ensure that the quality of the game is something better than a Knicks-Heat series. We make them play. That's why we put air in the whistle.