Western Conference Finals: Nuggets v. Lakers v. Officials v. Nuggets

Don't worry readers, that title is NOT a typo. I wrote it that way because the Nuggets are apparently playing against the NBA's officials (sic) and the Lakers in the same series. In addition, they're killing themselves in shooting as evidenced in their surrendering of Game 3. In a game where they led by a handful of points at any given moment and up 8 going into the 4th, they couldn't seal the deal and are now down 2-1 to the Lakers.

The first reason I'm blaming the officials (sic) is because they are making terrible calls and completely prohibiting any sort of pace for the 3 games of this series so far. They called 5 technical fouls in a playoff game for any sign of physicality. The most absurd of these came at the end of the third quarter when J.R. Smith hit a buzzer beating 3 pointer that put the Nuggets up 79-71. Call me old fashioned, but if I did that after not being on my game for a while I'd feel pretty good about that shot too. LeBron didn't get T'd for his celebration after his buzzer beater to even the series with Orlando. That call effectively killed the momentum Denver had going into the final quarter and again succeeded in impairing any sort of pace in the game. Well done NBA.

The second reason, which is hand in hand with the first, is all of this Lebron vs. Kobe hype. King James vs. the Black Mamba. Enough already. Since the Cavaliers and Lakers are both tops seeds of the Eastern and Western Conferences respectively, it makes sense. I get it. I'm just saying it sure would be a shame to spend all that money (looking at you Vitamin Water, Nike, ESPN) on advertisements and specials previewing this matchup that may not happen. Frankly, the Cavaliers don't deserve it and might not make it. They've choked on two huge, early leads and could easily be down 0-2 to the Magic but they have the MVP so he's keeping them in there. Lakers have had a pretty so-so showing in the playoffs overall but have finally realized they're in the playoffs since they've started playing the Nuggets. I'm just tired of the sports media in general acting like these Conference Finals don't matter at all. They're not exhibition series, they're playoff series! I wouldn't be surprised if one or both of them were not in the Finals. At least they get their vitamins.

As for the last part (v. Nuggets), wake up guys! Chauncey Billups has not played like Finals MVP Chauncey Billups this playoff series. He's missed more free throws this series than he does in a single year and has not been "Mr. Big Shot" against the Lakers. Chris "Birdman" Andersen, as usual, thrived off the energy of the crowd and had a solid game. Others like J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin have not shown up against the Lakers of Los Angeles. Collectively, the Nuggets were just 33-84 from the field and were 5-27 beyond the arc. Not exactly clutch play. Denver will lose if they have to keep playing the officials (sic) and the Lakers. They need to prove the naysayers wrong and close a game. The bench as well as players like Billups need to get in playoff mode and contribute because basketball is a team sport despite worshipping the individual (Kobe v. LeBron).

I hope I'm wrong, but the NBA has done a good job so far making it seem like these Conference finals don't matter. It has been decided since before the playoffs even started. Kobe v. LeBron, 24 v. 23, East v. West, Integrity v. Ratings.

Basketbrawl

In one corner, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking at another shot to claim a title. In the other corner, the Denver Nuggets who haven't won a championship ever. Chauncey Billups is back in his hometown and has given the Nuggets leadership, continuity, and defense.

Somewhere in the background of this [hopefully] great matchup lurks a surprising foe. The Pepsi Center (where Denver plays home games) double booked Monday the 25th. Game 4 of the Western Conference finals are going to take place then, but WWE's Monday Night Raw was also scheduled to take place and had been for quete some time. It sucks for Vince McMahon and the entire WWE that they have to reschedule and relocate with very little notice, BUT Denver is the Nuggets' hometown, not the WWE's.

Game 1 between the Lakers and Nuggets is tonight and the Nuggets have not played a game since last Wednesday. I hope that the extra time to prepare for either the Lakers or Rockets helps the Nuggets steal at least one of these games in L.A. Go Nuggets!

Maverick Malice

After giving up a tough home loss to the Nuggets with some controversy, the Mavericks (players, owners and the like) had plenty of words for the officials who they believed missed the foul on Carmelo Anthony before he took the shot that won the game.

With all the calls the refs made throughout (61 total), I think it was about time they let them play the game. Of course, the Mavs and those in their camp will suggest otherwise. The reality of it is they have nobody to blame but themselves.

The Nuggets shot a dismal 33 percent in the first half but managed to go into halftime up 48-45. If I'm at home in the playoffs going against that, I should be up by 20. Denver's Chris "the Birdman" Andersen fouled out with just over 9 minutes left in the game where Billups and Anthony were both in foul trouble. Dallas had plenty of opportunity to take advantage of a game that was served to them on a platter. Instead, the Nuggets took care of business and dealt the Mavericks only their second home loss since the All Star Break.

The first? Also at the hands of the Nuggets in the regular season.

Denver now has a chance to close out this series Monday in Dallas. They're still flying under the radar because of the epidemic that is east coast bias, but this team is going to work and getting the job done.