Woodee, in the final seconds, that play isn't going to be called. In the same post-season, Reggie Miller shoved MJ from the 3 point line almost to the division line before catching the ball and hitting a 3 to beat the Bulls in the playoffs at Market Square. I could probably cite a half dozen more instances just like that. So, you stated it yourself. Fans don't want to see an offensive foul called in those situations. That want the entertainment, that shot at the buzzer that wins the game.
You want an example of a rule changed that was designed to make the game more entertaining. How about the rule that allows a team to advance the ball to half court if they call a TO in the last minute of the game? But no, wait. That wasn't good enough. Now, they get the ball at the 28' hash mark. Now tell me that change wasn't made for entertainment purposes.
[Edited by BktBallRef on Sep 1st, 2003 at 10:45 PM]