Phil Jackson vs David Stern

Phil Jackson has enfuriated NBA commissioner David Stern by doubting the fairness of the refs when calling games with Kevin Durant on the court. Stern has fined Jackson $70,000 so far this month for questioning the refs. Yesterday, he also fined Rasheed Wallace, Stan Van Gundy & Matt Barnes for challenging the fairness of the refs in each of their series. 

"I wish I had it to do all over again," Stern said. "Starting 20 years ago I'd be suspending Phil and Pat Riley for all the games they play in the media. If I had it to do again, I would stop it and the price wouldn't be a modest $35,000 fine. It would be whatever a day's pay is and then two days' pay and then a week's pay."

Then Stern went Dirty Harry with it.

"If someone wants to try me in the rest of this playoffs, you know, make my day. The game is too important and I don't think that the people that trash it are respecting it, and we'll do what we have to do, the players and coaches alike, because they give the impression to our fans that the referees somehow have an agenda."

Stern is using the heavy handed approach he's built his career on. Threatening high suspensions and long fines for daring to think outside his vision of a league of conservatively dressed players playing a fast flowing offensive game where the defense is limited from doing more than putting a hand up to block shots. Does he really think that superstars don't get leeway with traveling calls and with extra trips to the line? 

Kevin Durant attempted 840 free throws this season. That's 40th all time for any player in league history.  It's also the highest total by any player not named Shaquille O'Neal or Dwight Howard since David Robinson attempted 925 in 1993-94. Shaq & Dwight often get free throws because defenses would rather them shoot from 15 feet than dunk. It's remarkable that a player as young as Durant is already able to earn so many trips to the line, especially considering he has an inside/outside game. 

The irony of Phil Jackson's complaints is that his own Kobe Bryant has scored more points at the line than any other active player except Shaq. Kobe has had seasons of 819, 768, 742, and 713 free throws, all under Phil Jackson. Maybe Phil was nervous that Durant would have an edge and get the calls that Kobe usually gets?

Last night in game 3 of their series, Durant & Bryant both played 41 minutes. Durant shot 13 free throws. Kobe shot 0. Kobe laughed when asked about the discrepancy and used Rasheed's line, "Both teams played hard." Hopefully the heavy handed commissioner won't fine him for that comment. 

Durant had more FT attempts than the whole Laker team. Phil Jackson attributed that to his aggressive play and brushed aside anything to do with the refs. Over the 1st 3 games of the series, Durant has attempted 30 FTs to Bryant's 27. Pretty even, with both players dominating on their home court. 

Could it be that the refs are swayed to give stars the calls in front of their own crowd? Stern has let it be known that it'll cost at least $35,000 for any player or coach to publicly ask that question.