I agree with your last two points. The officials are pretty much the least of the Pistons' worries. But, for better or worse, the perception exists that if a coach complains publicly about the officiating, there is a chance that his team may get a favorable call or two in the following game since the spotlight has been turned to the officiating.
Phil Jackson was the master at this, and, imho, it probably helped the Lakers a couple of times against the Kings. Was it the sole reason for the Kings losing those series to the Lakers? Certainly not. Kings have no one to blame but themselves for that collection of talent not winning a ring (well, themselves and bad luck with injuries).
My point is merely this: if LB's not complaining about the officiating with the statistics "in his favor" after game 2, so to speak, he's not doing everything that he could be doing to help give his team an edge. And, after the first two dismantlings that the Pistons have suffered through, failure to pull out all the stops for game 3 would be foolhardy on LB's part at best. It's not the most glamorous way to gain an edge, and LB will have to do some masterful coaching to help his team even be in position to compete. But in my mind at least by complaining about the officiating LB is in fact probably going to pull out all the stops.
BTW, Nazr with 2 quick fouls in the first quarter of game 3. Of course, Pistons still can't shoot the ball, and Horry is no scrub. Spurs with 5 - 3 lead.
Phil Jackson was the master at this, and, imho, it probably helped the Lakers a couple of times against the Kings. Was it the sole reason for the Kings losing those series to the Lakers? Certainly not. Kings have no one to blame but themselves for that collection of talent not winning a ring (well, themselves and bad luck with injuries).
My point is merely this: if LB's not complaining about the officiating with the statistics "in his favor" after game 2, so to speak, he's not doing everything that he could be doing to help give his team an edge. And, after the first two dismantlings that the Pistons have suffered through, failure to pull out all the stops for game 3 would be foolhardy on LB's part at best. It's not the most glamorous way to gain an edge, and LB will have to do some masterful coaching to help his team even be in position to compete. But in my mind at least by complaining about the officiating LB is in fact probably going to pull out all the stops.
BTW, Nazr with 2 quick fouls in the first quarter of game 3. Of course, Pistons still can't shoot the ball, and Horry is no scrub. Spurs with 5 - 3 lead.
Good Job VF!
