NBA starts to make me sick. What the heck is going on? When a super star, an MVP fouls late, there is no foul. When a "normal" guy fouls, they blow the whistle. Are there different rules for one set of guys and other rules for the rest? Today it is enough to put the ball in the super start's hands late in the game and make him drive against an ordinary player. Surely the defender will be called for a foul, since it was James, Wade etc. so how dares he challenge the shot. Everyone should be equal in the eyes of the refs, no matter how much he earns and how many MVPs he's got. RESPECT THE GAME!
mimifban - 11 years ago
I cant believe you people are saying there wasn't a foul. Please at the last image of the replay. Stephenson puts his foot first and then Lebron steps on it. common guys. I know some are Miami's fans but lets not be blind
Aaron - 11 years ago
I played basketball for many years and if you step on someone's foot it is most likely not intentional but it is still tripping (which is a foul). If you want to talk about making bad calls how about the 24 sec shot clock that hit the rim that was a 4 point swing and the ball that they gave to Miami saying it went off of West. You could clearly on one of the angles see that it was millimeters away but he did not touch it, it was off Allen. I am not an Indiana fan or Miami fan, I am a basketball fan and I hate to see missed calls like that because it really looks bad for the NBA which I know Stern has rigged at times.
gerald - 11 years ago
The bad call was made during Roy Hibbert's shot, it clearly hits the rim but the refs still called a shotclock violation..
watch this..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz5Mdm3PiZw
They should give the fucking ball back to the Pacers as they are holding the ball when the shot clock didn't reset or they should give 2 points to Hansbrough because Bosh still defended his shot,. Fucking idiot referees..
It was clear James widened his legs, if it's intentional or not, it is still a foul.. most of the fouls in a game are not intentional, so you better stop complaining on this issue. he didn't even argue the ref after that call because he knew he was caught.. lol
gerald - 11 years ago
A foul is a foul. If it's not Lebron who did it, maybe there's no argument on this (because Lebron might have changed the outcome of the game, but Lebron fans,. Common, NBA season, playoffs and finals is all about basketball and not about fucking Lebron.
John Adams - 11 years ago
I'm shocked that the "NBA" (ie. DAvid Stern) would allow this poll on the nba.com website. he'll probably try to find whoever started the poll. The referees make the games look rigged. The fact that Joey Crawford is still allowed to referee after the Tim Duncan incident proves that something much larger and conniving is going on. Step down Stern, you idiot.
Armanda - 11 years ago
Refs are cheating for Pacers. Miami will win regardless.
big daddy t - 11 years ago
no body contact but he did step on his foot. Not sure about the rule book on that one but wouldn't be surprised if its a foul. also lebron's call against george was good in my opinion even though bron didn't think so. arms were straightish but he jumped and there was a lot of body. if he hadn't jumped no foul. i hope the pacers win.
Wake - 11 years ago
NBA does not call moving picks often enough..... maybe they have finally noticed that this is the way to beat good defensive teams.....
Rashad amad - 11 years ago
the heat will win regardless in 6 games, Indiana is a terrible team they already blew them out by 24 its just a matter of time before james turns it on just watch and see then talk
This is the playoffs not the beginning of the nba season, you cannot make calls like that in a game that close especially at that time maybe in the first quarter its ok but in the playoffs the refs gotta make perfect calls they choose when to review it , that's complete bullshit the refs called some real terrible calls on the heat all night that led to lost points this is terrible no sport would make that call hockey, football, no one would make a contact call like that , late in the game unless they were paid
William - 11 years ago
OH!! and if you think it was indeed incidental contact!! Have a look at where James' eyes are when he steps on the foot of stephenson's foot. He's looking down at his foot as he trips Stephenson... Makes you wonder if he did it on purpose.... Who's shocked???
Fair - 11 years ago
Suck it up heat fans, it's 2-2 because Heats got away with lots of moving picks. Watch carefully the next game when Bosh, Battier, Haslem try to set screen....That's how Chammer and Wade get layups... LB may have gotten away if he didn't step on Steph. He did intentionally widen the leg (that Veteran's Move, which is OK), but once step on someone foot and trip a guy, that a FOUL period. Why should the ref call differently for LB than any other player??? In game 3, when Indiana made a run late with all the momentum on their side, Paul George was called for the Offensive foul on LB as Paul leaned on (just a bit) and made a shot (that was 4 pts swing)... So what do you say about that call ?? If that was a right call, then Chammer should be called for offensive foul every single time as he bumb into Hills. So just be Fair and Watch.
Ryan Allen - 11 years ago
A foul is a foul regardless of when it occurs in a game. Lebron set an illegal screen. Simple as that. It is a call that is made numerous times throughout a game. He was still moving with his foot stretched out to the left. Plus he stepped on Lance's foot. Lebron James is the best player in basketball, but the man get's away with more call than almost every player in the game. Lebron James travels all the time and never gets called. This call was correct. Karma coming back around.
Jon - 11 years ago
Alright... watched the clip several times... paused it and re-played. To me, it did look as if James' foot came down on Stephenson's foot. Not sure what the call would be on that, "tripping"???? I am sure if a player is tripped it is considered a foul. You all have the clip... you'll see what I see, whether you want to admit it or not. ---------------------->>>LOOK AT THE FRONT FOOT OF JAMES if you don't believe me.
Neutral Onlooker - 11 years ago
First off, I initially thought Lebron's feet-base was far wider than his shoulders which I understood to be illegal upon setting a screen... but, my research finds no data / rules to support that thought. Therefore, scratching that thought...
On any note, officials are a part of the game just as much as the beat of each basketball bounce upon the floor itself. They are paid to make calls based upon the outlined rules of the game. However, officials are human and we all know humans error from time-to-time... They are paid to do their best and are naturally hated for doing so.
I agree with the fact that it appears to be a weak call in such a crucial time of the game. I liken it to athletes 'coming into the paint' prior to the free-throw shooter releasing the ball. If an official made that call during a game I would be stunned, most especially if it were called during a crucial point in the game... I would deem this scenario a "weak call".
Lots of "if's" out there, but it's one way of comparing logic and justification.
Personally, I'm not a Lebron-fan, the guy is an amazing athlete, shoe-in Hall of Famer, but his pick however unfortunate to step on the foot of his opponent, was a sad/weak call in a crucial time of the game. HOWEVER, as I mentioned before officials are a part of the game and what was called is the fundamental, solidified and un-refuted result of that particular point in time of the game. We as spectators and fans must recognize this and accept it, and await the next game... with more enthralling physicality and excitement.
Charles Alford - 11 years ago
Refs are taking over games even veteran referees, Please let the players determine the outcome. i would like to see old school basketball, not a whistle everytime up or down the court.. its sickning.
Trey - 11 years ago
How can anyone say LBJ was set? His foot wasn't planted, he was in the process of planting it on Stephensons foot which is what tripped him up. Foul. Like Susan said a foul is a foul, no matter how long is left in the game. These games aren't exciting. Their annoying. Whining, complaining, theories, flopping, bickering, and more flopping. I love basketball and the NBA but somewhere it took a wrong turn and it isn't what it used to be.
rose - 11 years ago
There was a for sure foul on James. The heat would have lost anyway. it is about time the refs stood up to Lebron. If the refs cheat for any player, it is definitely him!
Jason - 11 years ago
Obviously most of u guys no very little about basketball. Lebron was set therefore it was not a moving screen foul. Dwayne wade was called for a travel which was also one of the worst and obvious called that I have ever seen. Lebron is the best in the game and he WILL win the series for the heat
Toll - 11 years ago
@Paul LeBron walks first ? LoL ! are you watching it with your eyes closed or are your eyes are that blurry ? Watch it again and tell me if Lebron really walked then dribble followed by a Huuge step...
popeye - 11 years ago
FOUL! ALL THE WAY.
Lebron can't be set, because he STEPPED on Stephenson's foot. meaning Stephenson got there first,
Also by stepping on his foot, he also trips him. ITS A FOUL PEOPLE!!! i can't believe 54% of the LeFlop fan's cant open their eyes and see it!!!!
Shonuff127 - 11 years ago
All the calls towards the end were BAD. Incidental contact screen foul. Non existent travel on the Wade move. If the NBA isn't trying to MILK this series for more money by putting in the SPECIAL REFEREES and letting them dictate the winner then I really have no clue about the reasoning behind allowing refs to decide games. SMH.
remysaluz - 11 years ago
I believe it was a bad call, James or not James.
The fact that the officials made another bad call on D Wade (that was no travel) suggest the officials manipulated the game for the Pacers to win. Granted, the Pacers put up a great game.
Anson - 11 years ago
Good Call, just suck it up, and move on. If this is a bad call, how about that foul by Lebron on Kevin Durant last year on the last shot of game 1
susan - 11 years ago
A foul in the first minute or last should be called, this would'nt be a topic if it were not LB. Are there rules for LB? I know so....
Paul - 11 years ago
People who's said "Bad call" cmon guys the first game "In the winning shot" he walks first instead bounce the ball a huuuge step and what hapned... Heat Won
That call was not right . Lebron got set before Stevenson ran into him. Stevenson is the one who should have gotten the foul call because Lebron was set and didn't move.
David - 11 years ago
I have wanted the Heat to lose ever since Lebron's press announcement that he was abandoning his team and going where the superstars would be playing together. The modesty of Lebron and Wade is a false modesty. BUT, I don't think that knocking Lebron out like that was a fair way to give the Pacers that kind of advantage in the last minutes of the game. In my opinion, the officials really blew the critical calls. That missed the call to reset the 24 second clock is shameful and embarrassing. Some of these things were SO obvious on the video. Wake up guys.
On the other hand, I'm a bit sick and tired of the same strategy over and over-giving Lebron the ball in the crucial moments. Come on Heat-trust your other players, including bench players-Haslem, Battier, Miller. it would be GREAT to see THEM win a game!
megee - 11 years ago
so then 54% say it was the right call, you just didnt like the timing
ivysaur - 11 years ago
whether he opened his foot or not,its not a foul,either way the call would go to steph coz dwade reject the screen,simple as that..
ivysaur - 11 years ago
nonsense comments..its not an offensive foul because the screen is rejected by dwade..better read the rule book book before commenting..
allwillsee - 11 years ago
TRUTH as is shown by replay is that LeBron stepped on Stephenson's foot as he overextended his left leg while setting the screen....to do so is A Foul and Anyone who can't see that Can't Handle The TRUTH.......Interesting thing is that if Lebron didn't Overextend his left leg and just set a Proper Screen then Wade still would have easily Crossed to his left and got by Stephenson.
Charles A - 11 years ago
If all games are called correctly, both DWade and Lebron will be fouling out every other game. Especially DWade.
Michele - 11 years ago
That is both a moving screen and tripping the opponent, how would it not be a foul...?!?
NBA starts to make me sick. What the heck is going on? When a super star, an MVP fouls late, there is no foul. When a "normal" guy fouls, they blow the whistle. Are there different rules for one set of guys and other rules for the rest? Today it is enough to put the ball in the super start's hands late in the game and make him drive against an ordinary player. Surely the defender will be called for a foul, since it was James, Wade etc. so how dares he challenge the shot. Everyone should be equal in the eyes of the refs, no matter how much he earns and how many MVPs he's got. RESPECT THE GAME!
I cant believe you people are saying there wasn't a foul. Please at the last image of the replay. Stephenson puts his foot first and then Lebron steps on it. common guys. I know some are Miami's fans but lets not be blind
I played basketball for many years and if you step on someone's foot it is most likely not intentional but it is still tripping (which is a foul). If you want to talk about making bad calls how about the 24 sec shot clock that hit the rim that was a 4 point swing and the ball that they gave to Miami saying it went off of West. You could clearly on one of the angles see that it was millimeters away but he did not touch it, it was off Allen. I am not an Indiana fan or Miami fan, I am a basketball fan and I hate to see missed calls like that because it really looks bad for the NBA which I know Stern has rigged at times.
The bad call was made during Roy Hibbert's shot, it clearly hits the rim but the refs still called a shotclock violation..
watch this..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz5Mdm3PiZw
They should give the fucking ball back to the Pacers as they are holding the ball when the shot clock didn't reset or they should give 2 points to Hansbrough because Bosh still defended his shot,. Fucking idiot referees..
It was clear James widened his legs, if it's intentional or not, it is still a foul.. most of the fouls in a game are not intentional, so you better stop complaining on this issue. he didn't even argue the ref after that call because he knew he was caught.. lol
A foul is a foul. If it's not Lebron who did it, maybe there's no argument on this (because Lebron might have changed the outcome of the game, but Lebron fans,. Common, NBA season, playoffs and finals is all about basketball and not about fucking Lebron.
I'm shocked that the "NBA" (ie. DAvid Stern) would allow this poll on the nba.com website. he'll probably try to find whoever started the poll. The referees make the games look rigged. The fact that Joey Crawford is still allowed to referee after the Tim Duncan incident proves that something much larger and conniving is going on. Step down Stern, you idiot.
Refs are cheating for Pacers. Miami will win regardless.
no body contact but he did step on his foot. Not sure about the rule book on that one but wouldn't be surprised if its a foul. also lebron's call against george was good in my opinion even though bron didn't think so. arms were straightish but he jumped and there was a lot of body. if he hadn't jumped no foul. i hope the pacers win.
NBA does not call moving picks often enough..... maybe they have finally noticed that this is the way to beat good defensive teams.....
the heat will win regardless in 6 games, Indiana is a terrible team they already blew them out by 24 its just a matter of time before james turns it on just watch and see then talk
This is the playoffs not the beginning of the nba season, you cannot make calls like that in a game that close especially at that time maybe in the first quarter its ok but in the playoffs the refs gotta make perfect calls they choose when to review it , that's complete bullshit the refs called some real terrible calls on the heat all night that led to lost points this is terrible no sport would make that call hockey, football, no one would make a contact call like that , late in the game unless they were paid
OH!! and if you think it was indeed incidental contact!! Have a look at where James' eyes are when he steps on the foot of stephenson's foot. He's looking down at his foot as he trips Stephenson... Makes you wonder if he did it on purpose.... Who's shocked???
Suck it up heat fans, it's 2-2 because Heats got away with lots of moving picks. Watch carefully the next game when Bosh, Battier, Haslem try to set screen....That's how Chammer and Wade get layups... LB may have gotten away if he didn't step on Steph. He did intentionally widen the leg (that Veteran's Move, which is OK), but once step on someone foot and trip a guy, that a FOUL period. Why should the ref call differently for LB than any other player??? In game 3, when Indiana made a run late with all the momentum on their side, Paul George was called for the Offensive foul on LB as Paul leaned on (just a bit) and made a shot (that was 4 pts swing)... So what do you say about that call ?? If that was a right call, then Chammer should be called for offensive foul every single time as he bumb into Hills. So just be Fair and Watch.
A foul is a foul regardless of when it occurs in a game. Lebron set an illegal screen. Simple as that. It is a call that is made numerous times throughout a game. He was still moving with his foot stretched out to the left. Plus he stepped on Lance's foot. Lebron James is the best player in basketball, but the man get's away with more call than almost every player in the game. Lebron James travels all the time and never gets called. This call was correct. Karma coming back around.
Alright... watched the clip several times... paused it and re-played. To me, it did look as if James' foot came down on Stephenson's foot. Not sure what the call would be on that, "tripping"???? I am sure if a player is tripped it is considered a foul. You all have the clip... you'll see what I see, whether you want to admit it or not. ---------------------->>>LOOK AT THE FRONT FOOT OF JAMES if you don't believe me.
First off, I initially thought Lebron's feet-base was far wider than his shoulders which I understood to be illegal upon setting a screen... but, my research finds no data / rules to support that thought. Therefore, scratching that thought...
On any note, officials are a part of the game just as much as the beat of each basketball bounce upon the floor itself. They are paid to make calls based upon the outlined rules of the game. However, officials are human and we all know humans error from time-to-time... They are paid to do their best and are naturally hated for doing so.
I agree with the fact that it appears to be a weak call in such a crucial time of the game. I liken it to athletes 'coming into the paint' prior to the free-throw shooter releasing the ball. If an official made that call during a game I would be stunned, most especially if it were called during a crucial point in the game... I would deem this scenario a "weak call".
Lots of "if's" out there, but it's one way of comparing logic and justification.
Personally, I'm not a Lebron-fan, the guy is an amazing athlete, shoe-in Hall of Famer, but his pick however unfortunate to step on the foot of his opponent, was a sad/weak call in a crucial time of the game. HOWEVER, as I mentioned before officials are a part of the game and what was called is the fundamental, solidified and un-refuted result of that particular point in time of the game. We as spectators and fans must recognize this and accept it, and await the next game... with more enthralling physicality and excitement.
Refs are taking over games even veteran referees, Please let the players determine the outcome. i would like to see old school basketball, not a whistle everytime up or down the court.. its sickning.
How can anyone say LBJ was set? His foot wasn't planted, he was in the process of planting it on Stephensons foot which is what tripped him up. Foul. Like Susan said a foul is a foul, no matter how long is left in the game. These games aren't exciting. Their annoying. Whining, complaining, theories, flopping, bickering, and more flopping. I love basketball and the NBA but somewhere it took a wrong turn and it isn't what it used to be.
There was a for sure foul on James. The heat would have lost anyway. it is about time the refs stood up to Lebron. If the refs cheat for any player, it is definitely him!
Obviously most of u guys no very little about basketball. Lebron was set therefore it was not a moving screen foul. Dwayne wade was called for a travel which was also one of the worst and obvious called that I have ever seen. Lebron is the best in the game and he WILL win the series for the heat
@Paul LeBron walks first ? LoL ! are you watching it with your eyes closed or are your eyes are that blurry ? Watch it again and tell me if Lebron really walked then dribble followed by a Huuge step...
FOUL! ALL THE WAY.
Lebron can't be set, because he STEPPED on Stephenson's foot. meaning Stephenson got there first,
Also by stepping on his foot, he also trips him. ITS A FOUL PEOPLE!!! i can't believe 54% of the LeFlop fan's cant open their eyes and see it!!!!
All the calls towards the end were BAD. Incidental contact screen foul. Non existent travel on the Wade move. If the NBA isn't trying to MILK this series for more money by putting in the SPECIAL REFEREES and letting them dictate the winner then I really have no clue about the reasoning behind allowing refs to decide games. SMH.
I believe it was a bad call, James or not James.
The fact that the officials made another bad call on D Wade (that was no travel) suggest the officials manipulated the game for the Pacers to win. Granted, the Pacers put up a great game.
Good Call, just suck it up, and move on. If this is a bad call, how about that foul by Lebron on Kevin Durant last year on the last shot of game 1
A foul in the first minute or last should be called, this would'nt be a topic if it were not LB. Are there rules for LB? I know so....
People who's said "Bad call" cmon guys the first game "In the winning shot" he walks first instead bounce the ball a huuuge step and what hapned... Heat Won
That call was not right . Lebron got set before Stevenson ran into him. Stevenson is the one who should have gotten the foul call because Lebron was set and didn't move.
I have wanted the Heat to lose ever since Lebron's press announcement that he was abandoning his team and going where the superstars would be playing together. The modesty of Lebron and Wade is a false modesty. BUT, I don't think that knocking Lebron out like that was a fair way to give the Pacers that kind of advantage in the last minutes of the game. In my opinion, the officials really blew the critical calls. That missed the call to reset the 24 second clock is shameful and embarrassing. Some of these things were SO obvious on the video. Wake up guys.
On the other hand, I'm a bit sick and tired of the same strategy over and over-giving Lebron the ball in the crucial moments. Come on Heat-trust your other players, including bench players-Haslem, Battier, Miller. it would be GREAT to see THEM win a game!
so then 54% say it was the right call, you just didnt like the timing
whether he opened his foot or not,its not a foul,either way the call would go to steph coz dwade reject the screen,simple as that..
nonsense comments..its not an offensive foul because the screen is rejected by dwade..better read the rule book book before commenting..
TRUTH as is shown by replay is that LeBron stepped on Stephenson's foot as he overextended his left leg while setting the screen....to do so is A Foul and Anyone who can't see that Can't Handle The TRUTH.......Interesting thing is that if Lebron didn't Overextend his left leg and just set a Proper Screen then Wade still would have easily Crossed to his left and got by Stephenson.
If all games are called correctly, both DWade and Lebron will be fouling out every other game. Especially DWade.
That is both a moving screen and tripping the opponent, how would it not be a foul...?!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdOe4IxIvo0
The same thing!!!
Bad calls are money!!!
More games, more money!!!