This was a tough one. And I'm not into blame right now as far as our team goes. I doubt anyone of us expected us to win this game, on their court, without Evans or Martin. But, we should have. We make two freethrows and the game is over. I'm not blaming Udoka. Anyone can miss. He picked the wrong time, but thats life.
This is all I'll say about the officiating. Kobe is a great player, and the Lakers are a great team. They're hard enough to beat straight up. They don't need any extra help. Well, they did tonight. Anyone that thinks that Kobe doesn't get special treatment, is either blind, or doesn't understand the game. He does! Its not the way it should be, but, thats the way it is.
You see in my mind, perhaps a convoluted one, this special treatment actually spoils his image in the minds of everyone thats not a Laker fan. If Kobe hits that shot at the buzzer without pushing off and without the heel of his foot on the line, or so it appeared to me after replaying it over about 20 times, I applaud. I say well done. I don't like it, but I respect it. Now, I just have a bad taste in my mouth. And its hard to swallow. I feel cheated. And some, or all of you can tell me that I wasn't, but I'll still feel that way. Just the opinion of an old guy thats watched professional basketball for over 50 years.