FROM EPIC TO ANEMIC

It was another episode of officiating blunder in the NBA. In what was suppose to be an epic ending to a beautiful game between Dallas and Denver in the crucial game three of the Western Conference semis, the stupid referees made headlines anew.

Not to take anything away from the terrific heroics of Carmelo Anthony in canning that incredible trifecta with a second to go that lifted the Nuggets to a 106-105 squeaker and 3-0 series lead, but that should not happen at all in the first place. With the Mavs on top 105-103 and the ball possession for the Mile High City outfit, Dallas coach Rick Carlisle reminded his boys that the team still has a foul to give before they reach the penalty situation. So giving up a foul will further chopped down some precious ticks from the game clock. As Anthony took the inbound pass from the halfcourt, he then dribbled to his strong side and was strongly bumped by Mavs forward Antoine Wright but alas, there was no whistle from the ref and Anthony continued dribbling and went for a desperation attempt beyond the arc with a second to go.

The culprit this time is no other than veteran NBA ref Mark Wunderlich, who many presumed swallowed his whistle in the most crucial part of the game. Wunderlich was just a foot away from Wright and Carmelo. Carlisle disappointingly said "It’s just a shame, because Mark’s a good official, an experienced official. I assume they know that we have a foul to give, and we would take it in that situation. I’m yelling at Antoine: 'Get him, get him, take it.’ And no whistle blows. It’s just extremely disappointing”.

This is the second consecutive post-season where a ref decided the outcome of a game. Last year, ref Joey Crawford likewise did not blew his whistle on an apparent foul on Lakers guard Derek Fisher on Brent Barry of the Spurs, who was shooting a last second three-point shot. The Spurs were clearly denied of a win and could have evened up the series with the Lakers at two games apiece.

In the aftermath of the controversial Mavs-Nuggets game three, the NBA office issued a statement on their official stand on the incident, "At the end of the Dallas-Denver game this evening, the officials missed an intentional foul committed by Antoine Wright on Carmelo Anthony, just prior to Anthony's three-point basket."

Well, that’s it but the damage had been done and no one can take away the bitterness and pain of Mark Cuban and his Dallas Mavericks.

Shame on you, NBA!

*****

I would like to pay my last respect to a basketball mentor who is considered a legend in his own rights. Chuck Daly, 79, died last Saturday morning of pancreatic cancer. Daly is best remembered for leading the Detroit Pistons to back-to-back NBA titles in 1989 and 1990. He was also the mentor of the original US Dream team in 1992 which was led by the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley and Chris Mullin.

Prior to the start of the ongoing NBA playoffs, all coaches worn a “Chuck Daly” pin on their suites as a sign of a collective support for the ailing Daly. He was also well-known in the league circles for his dashing suites and hair styles during his coaching days which made him a cut above the rest.

My hats off to you, coach Chuck.