The art of stretching a series has taken on a new twist, with LeBron James going into hibernation for three of the first four games of the Miami-Dallas title match-up. We've already seen a new twist in the WWE-style scripted winners policy that the NBA follows.
In the Chicago-Miami series, it wasn't just the officiating that facilitated the Heat advancing to the championship round, officiating so lopsided that Chicago's coach was compelled to say, "They got calls." It was the tanking by key individuals. There's almost no other explanation for the wholesale no-shows by several Bulls players. Athletes like Noah, Rose, and Boozer simply became invisible at crucial times. It got so bad that a wonderful journeyman like Ronnie Brewer stood out for the Bulls in Game Five because he at least provided nonstop effort.
I'm not saying key Bulls players threw the series for gambling purposes, even if they're from the same city as the 1919 White Sox. Most Chicago gangsters in 2011 are insiders, drab bureaucrats working in City Hall, not colorful men of violence like Al Capone. A far more likely scenario has television network, big sponsor, or league office representatives "getting to them," presenting an offer they couldn't refuse. For "playing ball" with the powers that be, certain players will be rewarded long-term with deals and perks so subtle it would take the FBI and CIA combined to get to the realized advantages. Instant cash bonuses are probably not part of the program.
Now we have Bosh and James of the Heat becoming low profile more often than not in the battle against the Mavericks. Are they tanking the series? I doubt it. Network, sponsor, and league reps want Miami to take the series. Apparently, it is worth a small fortune in merchandise sales in China alone if LBJ becomes a champion. I would instead look to Mavericks like Kidd, Stojakovich, Berrea, Stephenson, and Terry if you're looking for somebody to tank it in the long run. That may not even be necessary because the Heat will have the sixth man-the officiating crew- on their side to capture the title.
Bosh and James (and the network, sponsors, and league) are simply good dramatists. The Mavericks won Game Four because those three powers, like a Roman triumvirate, want to stretch the series: for ratings, drama, and revenue. Rest assured, the Heat will win the NBA title. However, they won't win until at least Game Six, and they won't win until they are surrounded by their hometown fans on a friendly Miami court. It makes for better television.
