Yes, it Was a Foul; No, it Doesn’t Matter

Let me preface my obligatory post on the Fisher/Crawford/Barry conspiracy with some full disclosure: I like the Lakers; I don’t particularly like the Spurs. I want the Lakers to advance; I’d rather not see any more of the Spurs in this lifetime. Also, I’m sick, which is why I’m late weighing in on this.↵

↵↵With that in mind, I’m pretty sure that was a foul. No amount of rhetoric about the rough, rugged playoffs, or nods to the wily stylings of Bruce Bowen himself, can explain that away. Fisher came crashing down on Barry back after biting on the fake. Whether it would’ve been a shooting foul—three shots that, with Brent Barry at the controls, would’ve probably won the game—is anyone’s guess. Still, something should have been called, and it unquestionably cast a pall over the outcome. Of game four and, most likely, this whole series.↵

↵↵All that said, it really doesn’t matter. The Spurs were only in that game late because Brent Barry had his third or fourth 15-point game of the season. There’s that random veteran snipe I’ve been talking about all playoffs; how San Antonio plans for these is beyond me. I do know, though, that the Lakers are obviously the better team. The Spurs were a mess offensively, and got bailed out repeatedly by Barry. Which, I’m sorry, is dependence on a fluke, not the mark of champions.↵

↵↵I’ve always resented what Barkley aptly called the Spurs’ “cockroach” nature. They just manage to pull it together when it counts, and usually not a second too soon. But that approach, coupled with yet another unlikely hero ... I’m sorry, that’s college ball, with its suffering underdogs and last-second miracles. This is the NBA, land of stars, giants, and sustained excellence. There’s a big difference between overcoming the odds, or surging in the fourth, and backing into a victory. And there’s nothing noble, or god-given, about the latter. It’s certainly not a good look for perennial contenders. ↵

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