By MARC BERMAN
June 10, 2008
LOS ANGELES - Maybe it was because David Stern being in the building Sunday night that Phil Jackson did not go on his typical referee rant, knowing how sensitive the commissioner is about his crew that once considered Tim Donaghy one of its best.
But the Zen Master was plenty annoyed at the free-throw disparity in Game 2 - 38-10 in Boston's favor. Jackson called it "ridiculous" Leon Powe nearly had more free throws in 14 minutes than the Lakers had in Boston's 108-102 victory.
"I have no question about the fact my players got fouled but didn't get to the line," Jackson said. "The referees referee an illusion. Our guys look like maybe the ball was partially stripped when they were getting raked, but it was in a crowd, so the referees let it go. We have to create the spacing that gives the right impression."
Kobe Bryant dripped with sarcasm when he said of the disparity, "Didn't notice." But when later asked the keys to turning the series around, Kobe said, "A free throw or two wouldn't hurt."
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Nobody gave Rajon Rondo the edge over Derek Fisher in this series but he had 16 assists in Game 2 - the unheralded stat of the game. The Celtics had unbelievable 31 assists on 36 field goals in Game 2.
Asked if he was surprised by Powe's breakout game, Bryant smiled. "Just a little," he said. "Just a touch."
