The Crawford / Garretson thing doesn't surprise me. I've long wondered if those two have something against the Pistons, because they've been involved in numerous controversial calls against Detroit in the past two-three seasons (maybe longer; that's just as far back as I can recall noticing). It's not even necessarily calling a tight game, either, because sometimes it's non-calls that are the issue.
Mind you, I'm not necessarily saying there's a conspiracy, here. Maybe it's as simple as a pet peeve, something Detroit does that those refs don't like, or maybe there are some personalities on the Pistons that rub those guys the wrong way (or vice-versa). All that same, if those two officials are not on the court for another Detroit game, I won't cry about it.
As for the past two games, the Pistons seem tired to me, both mentally and physically. Maybe those tough, physical series against Indiana and Miami have caught up to them, because Detroit normally wins with grit, hustle, and stifling defense. San Antonio has displayed those things, while the Pistons seem a step slow in the second half of both games. These teams are pretty evenly matched, with the Spurs' only advantage being scoring off the bench. In front of the home crowd, I believe Detroit's energy level will be higher tonight, and I see us taking at least two of three games at home.
As a final commentary on the officiating, it
is part of Larry's job to gripe about the officiating, especially when it seems biased. TNT and ABC announcers have both commented about "homer" calls being prevalent in this years' playoffs, so outside parties are noticing problems, also. At the same time, I'm sure Larry is telling his guys to just shut up and play, because that's what he's done in the past.
