NBA playoffs (NBA haters stay away)

[Nevadaref]

For the record, I think that the entire strategy of fouling on purpose is bad for the game and needs to be addressed with a rule change, but the NFHS, NCAA, and obviously the NBA governing bodies disagree with me.

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

I guess you'll have to explain to me how the situation in the original scenario (not the "wrapping up", as you mention in your most recent post) is different from a HS player fouling to stop the clock and force the opponent to shoot a 1-and-1; ...

When FTs will be awarded there is a tangible penalty as the opponent can score. It's debatable whether 1-1 is the right number of FTs to award given the increased impact of the 3pt shot on the game.

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

...or how it's different from a college player fouling near midcourt before the bonus, simply to force the trailing team to inbound the ball again and waste time before getting off a final shot. ...

That's the one that needs to cease. That's blatant unfair play at any level. At the HS and NCAA level, the intentional personal foul can and should be called. I don't know exactly how the NBA handles such, but a simple rule could take care of this unfair tactic.

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

These are both examples of using an "illegal" action -- a foul -- to a strategic advantage. Isn't that what Dallas was trying to do at the end of that game?

In a nutshell that is what I have a serious problem with-- using an illegal action to gain a strategic advantage. It's taking advantage of the rules and we know that the NFHS book says right in the front that a team shouldn't be allowed to gain an advantage not intended by the rules. Does the NBA have a similar provision or statement? That's why it is different. It's not in the spirit of fair play and is clearly against the NFHS philosophy, but it doesn't seem to be against the pro philosophy.

In my opinion, Dallas was trying to cheat, and justice was served when it didn't work out for them.