Cheesesteaks vs. Chowdah Part I - The Sixers/Celtics Series Thread

[AimingForYoko]

Well for starters, he received 134 phone calls from Donaghy during the season in which Donaghy was caught. The only person he called more (150) was the middleman for the operation.

From CBS boston:

Spoiler: Phone log

The initial report showed the following call log from the day of Dec. 30, 2006:

10:34 a.m. – Donaghy calls Foster.
10:35 a.m. – Donaghy calls another referee.
10:36 a.m. – Donaghy calls [Thomas] Martino, the “middleman” between him and his bookie.
10:39 a.m. – Donaghy calls Foster.
5:15 p.m. – Donaghy calls Martino.
5:23 p.m. – Donaghy calls Martino.
7 p.m. – Donaghy referees game between the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic. The Magic win in a rout, 97-68.
8 p.m. – Foster referees a game between the Toronto Raptors and the Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis. The Grizzlies win 110-104. Foster and Donaghy speak 12 minutes after the game.
11:27 p.m. – Foster and Donaghy speak for at least the fourth time of the day.
11:38 p.m. – Foster and Donaghy speak for at least the fifth time of the day

The records also showed Donaghy making several calls to Foster on the days of games, generally for no more than two minutes.

The report also said that when Donaghy called Foster, he mostly used the phone that he dedicated to gambling-related phone calls, and the phone calls stopped abruptly when Donaghy said he stopped gambling.

 

[joe dokes]

I've always thought a crowd chant of "Don-a-hee" is just so much better than "ref-e-rees suck"

 

[bankshot1]

I'm listening to F&M and Mazz drops this nugget (some one must have dropped it on him) that in the 3 remaining series

Celts-up 3-1 76ers

GS up 3-1 over Pels

Rockets up 3-1 over Jazz

Scott Foster was reffing in the wins for 76ers, Pels, Jazz

I hate conspiracy theories but...

 

[Captaincoop]

From CBS boston:

Spoiler: Phone log

The initial report showed the following call log from the day of Dec. 30, 2006:

10:34 a.m. – Donaghy calls Foster.
10:35 a.m. – Donaghy calls another referee.
10:36 a.m. – Donaghy calls [Thomas] Martino, the “middleman” between him and his bookie.
10:39 a.m. – Donaghy calls Foster.
5:15 p.m. – Donaghy calls Martino.
5:23 p.m. – Donaghy calls Martino.
7 p.m. – Donaghy referees game between the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic. The Magic win in a rout, 97-68.
8 p.m. – Foster referees a game between the Toronto Raptors and the Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis. The Grizzlies win 110-104. Foster and Donaghy speak 12 minutes after the game.
11:27 p.m. – Foster and Donaghy speak for at least the fourth time of the day.
11:38 p.m. – Foster and Donaghy speak for at least the fifth time of the day

The records also showed Donaghy making several calls to Foster on the days of games, generally for no more than two minutes.

The report also said that when Donaghy called Foster, he mostly used the phone that he dedicated to gambling-related phone calls, and the phone calls stopped abruptly when Donaghy said he stopped gambling.

Wait a minute, WHAT? If that is true, how is this guy still reffing every questionable game in the NBA Playoffs each year? It seems almost too obvious.

 

[BigSoxFan]

Wait a minute, WHAT? If that is true, how is this guy still reffing every questionable game in the NBA Playoffs each year? It seems almost too obvious.

I’ll never understand why this story didn’t blow up the way it should have. David Stern was quite good at his job behind the scenes but maybe he should just thank Mangini for bringing Spygate and distracting everyone for several months.

 

[radsoxfan]

Fultz is untradeable until anybody knows if he can shoot. Or play.

Anyone is tradable, but I have to imagine he would be valued as a late lotto/mid first round prospect at this point to account for his legitimate chance of a being a near complete flame-out. His 1 year drop in value is staggering.

I tend to agree that game 5 is really big, more so than most in a 3-1 series. The teams have been evenly matched til now, and both Simmons and Embiid can be much better. A loss in game 5 makes a high pressure game 7 more than a 50/50 possibility I think (pretty tough game for a young team with a potential historic collapse).

 

[JohnnyTheBone]

I hate conspiracy theories but...

It was never a conspiracy theory. It is a simple fact that an NBA referee was jailed for betting on, and fixing the outcome of, NBA games. People throw around the word "theory" as if this was all hypothetical, but it's not. The FBI got involved. Donaghy was imprisoned. Some of his closest associates still officiate in the NBA's most important games. This is a harsh reality, not a theory.

 

[bankshot1]

It was never a conspiracy theory. It is a simple fact that an NBA referee was jailed for betting on, and fixing the outcome of, NBA games. People throw around the word "theory" as if this was all hypothetical, but it's not. The FBI got involved. Donaghy was imprisoned. Some of his closest associates still officiate in the NBA's most important games. This is a harsh reality, not a theory.

I'm not disputing the Donaghy story. But rather I was addressing the long held feeling that there are too many NBA games that seem fixed. And I've seen too many games that I thought suspiciously officiated.

I sited a conversation I heard today on Boston Sports Hub which dealt with "fixing" by insinuation, ie. Foster's reffing 3 particular games that were the seeming outliers, which hosts and callers easily concluded were fixed.

The long held belief that NBA games are fixed was the "theory" I was referring to and that theory has been around long before Donaghy donned a striped shirt.

 

[Montana Fan]

Wasn't Brothers the one who made the 2 Harden offensive foul calls against Smart? If so, I'm not gonna hate because I LOVED those calls.

 

[JohnnyTheBone]

I'm not disputing the Donaghy story. But rather I was addressing the long held feeling that there are too many NBA games that seem fixed. And I've seen too many games that I thought suspiciously officiated.

I sited a conversation I heard today on Boston Sports Hub which dealt with "fixing" by insinuation, ie. Foster's reffing 3 particular games that were the seeming outliers, which hosts and callers easily concluded were fixed.

The long held belief that NBA games are fixed was the "theory" I was referring to and that theory has been around long before Donaghy donned a striped shirt.

Gotcha. The 2002 Lakers/Kings farce predated the Donaghy scandal, so you are absolutely dead-on-balls accurate. I can't stand Felger and Mazz, but I'm glad to hear they are keeping Foster's name in the news. The NBA really is brazen.

 

[nighthob]

Wasn't Brothers the one who made the 2 Harden offensive foul calls against Smart? If so, I'm not gonna hate because I LOVED those calls.

That first call was one the greatest flops in the Marcus Hall of Flops. But that second was even funnier with Harden thinking he was owed a makeup.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

I'm listening to F&M and Mazz drops this nugget (some one must have dropped it on him) that in the 3 remaining series

Celts-up 3-1 76ers

GS up 3-1 over Pels

Rockets up 3-1 over Jazz

Scott Foster was reffing in the wins for 76ers, Pels, Jazz

I hate conspiracy theories but...

* The Pelicans shot 45% from 3 while the Warriors PG's (Curry, Livingston, and Cook) shot a combined 8-29 in a 19-point New Orleans win while the Pelicans were also whistled for more personal fouls.

* Utah scored 36 in the first quarter to immediately take control of that game. Ingles dropped 27 on 10-13 shooting (7-9 from 3), while Harden still went to the line 13 times as the Jazz were like the Pels, whistled for more personal fouls than GS.

Attributing Scott Foster as a factor to either of these games is a stretch of epic proportions.

 

[southshoresoxfan]

Sixers have their own Tony Brothers hate, as do most teams. He just fucking sucks.

The best call I saw all season vs us was his calling a shot clock violation with like 2 seconds left on the shot clock.

The guy is just shit.

This we can agree on. But the league has a problem when a series is 3-0 and oh hey look here comes Foster and Brothers.

I mean, the fact there was so many touch calls to neuter the road team early wasn’t shocking. I just wish the NBA was more subtle.

They even returned the favor once the game was out of hand to balance the calls.

 

[the moops]

I watched the last game on my phone. So forgive any terrible takes.

Has there been any explanation about the what appeared to be completely blown no goaltend call on Embiid?

And is there a good replay of the 5th foul on Jaylen and subsequent technicals on him and Stevens?

 

[djbayko]

I watched the last game on my phone. So forgive any terrible takes.

Has there been any explanation about the what appeared to be completely blown no goaltend call on Embiid?

And is there a good replay of the 5th foul on Jaylen and subsequent technicals on him and Stevens?

There was a perfect camera angle that shows Jaylen reached in for the ball but didn't make any contact whatsoever.

 

[Reverend]

Gotcha. The 2002 Lakers/Kings farce predated the Donaghy scandal, so you are absolutely dead-on-balls accurate. I can't stand Felger and Mazz, but I'm glad to hear they are keeping Foster's name in the news. The NBA really is brazen.

As to your point about it not being a theory though and people not really taking it seriously, what should have been the most interesting thing about the Donaghy scandal was how the league knew how to nudge games with reffing assignments by knowing the tendencies of the refs.

It's less reliable than fixing, but also not provable in the same sort of ways. But the focus was taken away from this subtle, elegant form of fix for the more obvious but (probably) less common form.

 

[djbayko]

As to your point about it not being a theory though and people not really taking it seriously, what should have been the most interesting thing about the Donaghy scandal was how the league knew how to nudge games with reffing assignments by knowing the tendencies of the refs.

It's less reliable than fixing, but also not provable in the same sort of ways. But the focus was taken away from this subtle, elegant form of fix for the more obvious but (probably) less common form.

You're stating this as if it's proven fact. Is this something substantive that really came out of the scandal or was it just one of the many sensational claims that Donaghy made in the aftermath?

 

[snowmanny]

See? You're making his point.

 

[djbayko]

The line has moved to Celtics -1.

 

[DJnVa]

WHAT DO THEY KNOW????????

 

[Red Averages]

WHAT DO THEY KNOW????????

Probably that their books are taking on heavy Celtics action.

 

[Soxfan in Fla]

Probably that their books are taking on heavy Celtics action.

This. The action is driving the line at this point.

 

[DJnVa]

You guys know I know that right?

 

[johnmd20]

You guys know I know that right?

It was funny, I laughed. Hang in there.

 

[leetinsley38]

Did the FBI let Scott Foster off the hook because Stern sold them on the “one rogue official” theory?

 

[reggiecleveland]

The Celtics are 2-0 at home and 1-1 vs Philly on the road this series. Why would game 5 be a must win?! The 76ers would have maybe a 30% shot to win the series even if they won game 5. Even game 6 wouldn't be a must win. Game 7 is the only time we would have a must win.

If the 6ers win game five in Boston they will be rolling when they go back to Philly. It is highly likley it goes to game 7, and who knows. The Celtics out coached, out executed the 6ers, but are still playing short handed with at least one key guy banged up. I still think "don't let them win tonight."

 

[Koufax]

I'm with Reggie on this one. I was fine with them losing game 4 - winning on the road is hard, especially when the refs are tilting the playing field. Losing game 5 at home shifts the momentum, likely leading to a game 7 with the Sixers all fired up about being the first NBA team to overcome a 3-0 deficit. This is a result much to be avoided.

 

[Ale Xander]

Did the FBI let Scott Foster off the hook because Stern sold them on the “one rogue official” theory?

http://refpicks.com/

Some guy called into Felger yesterday and said something like 75% of the games TD recommends are Fosters.

 

[AimingForYoko]

http://refpicks.com/

Some guy called into Felger yesterday and said something like 75% of the games TD recommends are Fosters.

Lmao I'd honestly forgotten Donaghy was running a gambling website. I wonder if old Tim still sees his godchild aka Scott Foster Junior or Juniorette.

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

Celtics better play some defense on TJ McConnell or they are going to be in trouble. Some examples of how not to play defense here: http://thesportsdaily.com/2018/05/08/the-celtics-played-some-of-the-worst-defense-ever-on-tj-mcconnell-r1a1/

McConnell helps PHI when Rozier is on the floor (on the 29 possessions when McConnell defended Rozier, TR scored one point and was 0-3 FGA; also Cs scored only 18 points on those 29 possessions). However, even when McConnell was on the floor without Rozier and he was forced to guard Tatum, Tatum for some reason didn't take him into the box (maybe foul trouble). When McConnell is on the floor, the Cs should be able to get favorable matchups against him.

 

[Manzivino]

Celtics better play some defense on TJ McConnell or they are going to be in trouble. Some examples of how not to play defense here: http://thesportsdaily.com/2018/05/08/the-celtics-played-some-of-the-worst-defense-ever-on-tj-mcconnell-r1a1/

McConnell helps PHI when Rozier is on the floor (on the 29 possessions when McConnell defended Rozier, TR scored one point and was 0-3 FGA; also Cs scored only 18 points on those 29 possessions). However, even when McConnell was on the floor without Rozier and he was forced to guard Tatum, Tatum for some reason didn't take him into the box (maybe foul trouble). When McConnell is on the floor, the Cs should be able to get favorable matchups against him.

I expect this to change since 1) they've had the off day to go over film and scheme against him and 2) Rozier has been much better at home than on the road, Game 3 excepted.

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

I expect this to change since 1) they've had the off day to go over film and scheme against him and 2) Rozier has been much better at home than on the road, Game 3 excepted.

I expect them to be a lot more committed to defense too.

Shane Larkin has a shoulder sprain and is out for the foreseeable future.

Cs are running out of guards. Who would have thunk it? Too bad Jonathan Gibson wasn't playoff eligible.

 

[JCizzle]

I expect them to be a lot more committed to defense too.

Shane Larkin has a shoulder sprain and is out for the foreseeable future.

Cs are running out of guards. Who would have thunk it?

Was just about to post something similar.

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23450732/shane-larkin-boston-celtics-miss-game-5-indefinitely-shoulder-sprain

This is less of an issue if Jaylen can start and play 40 minutes. It's a huge issue if he can still only play 25. Rozier + Jaylen with Smart backing them both up I guess? More point Tatum and point Horford? They survived game 4 with him only playing two min... but they also lost ha

 

[djbayko]

Celtics better play some defense on TJ McConnell or they are going to be in trouble. Some examples of how not to play defense here: http://thesportsdaily.com/2018/05/08/the-celtics-played-some-of-the-worst-defense-ever-on-tj-mcconnell-r1a1/

McConnell helps PHI when Rozier is on the floor (on the 29 possessions when McConnell defended Rozier, TR scored one point and was 0-3 FGA; also Cs scored only 18 points on those 29 possessions). However, even when McConnell was on the floor without Rozier and he was forced to guard Tatum, Tatum for some reason didn't take him into the box (maybe foul trouble). When McConnell is on the floor, the Cs should be able to get favorable matchups against him.

If Philly needs TJ fucking McConnell to be their hero, they are in trouble tonight. He may be a little spark plug tonight but I don't expect him to duplicate Game 4.

 

[lovegtm]

 

[Cesar Crespo]

I'm guessing refs that are noticed often are generally pretty terrible and that's why people notice them. Maybe that's his point.

 

[djbayko]

I'm guessing refs that are noticed often are generally pretty terrible and that's why people notice them. Maybe that's his point.

Yes, that's the usual interpretation of that phrase.

 

[Koufax]

If Shane Larkin is out for the season, can the team put someone else on the roster for the Cleveland series?

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

http://refpicks.com/

Some guy called into Felger yesterday and said something like 75% of the games TD recommends are Fosters.

Holy hell if he's so good at handicapping why can't he afford a proofreader?

Tim Donaghy started is own sports handicapping website that you are on now, Ref Picks and Tim can be found giving speeches throughout the country.

Tim has a leg up on most handicappers, he has hands on insider experience in officiating games and knows all to well how and what can affect a score. If youre interested in learning more about Tim Donaghys Expert NBA Picks, buy a pick today or check out our Free Pick we have available.

Is Ref Picks a handicapping robot that gives speeches alongside TD?

 

[reggiecleveland]

I'm guessing refs that are noticed often are generally pretty terrible and that's why people notice them. Maybe that's his point.

I once met this guy at a social gathering. He looked vaguely familiar. He told me he had reffed many of my games when I was a player. I didn't really remember him. He told me he was going to the tournament of the Americas. He was probably the top ref in western Canada. When I see old pictures of videos of past games he is in many of them. Later as I coached more, I always noticed him, just because I was glad to see him.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

If Shane Larkin is out for the season, can the team put someone else on the roster for the Cleveland series?

Nope.

 

[DJnVa]

NEXT!!

 

[LondonSox]

Well fuck all you guys.

Nah well played guys, good luck with LeBron and what a fabulous game tonight. More of that over the years to come please (with different results)

Jaylen brown was fantastic tonight.

 

[benhogan]

Well fuck all you guys.

Nah well played guys, good luck with LeBron and what a fabulous game tonight. More of that over the years to come please (with different results)

Jaylen brown was fantastic tonight.

An underrated Dario Saric was a beast.

As much as it must pain Sixer fans, Tatum was the Celtics MVP tonight.

Great season by Philly, #3 seed, huge winning streak, playoff experience for the head coach and players. They made the turn, process over, free agency will dictate what they become (without LBJ or George they will be the Celtics lil' brother) next season.

 

[Papelbon's Poutine]

Great game and the Celts grew up a lot tonight. Love it. Hat being said, if Reddick hadn’t shit the bed, that game goes much differently.

 

[nomarshaus]

I don't know that much about basketball, as demonstrated by my fully expecting Philly to win this series in 5 or 6. But at this point, how do you have optimism as a Philly fan. The C's just beat Philly with our young guys vs their young guys. We're getting Kyrie and Hayward back next year and they're getting... ?Fultz?, the 10 pick? You assume Simmons and Embiid will get better, but Brown and Tatum will get better too. So with the additions coming, plus our having Brad Stevens, how do we lose to them (outside of more injuries)?

 

[benhogan]

Nope.

Is Jabiri Bird available? Only Stevens is capable of using Bird and squeezing whatever value he may have into a useful player

In Brad We Trust

 

[Manzivino]

I don't know that much about basketball, as demonstrated by my fully expecting Philly to win this series in 5 or 6. But at this point, how do you have optimism as a Philly fan. The C's just beat Philly with our young guys vs their young guys. We're getting Kyrie and Hayward back next year and they're getting... ?Fultz?, the 10 pick? You assume Simmons and Embiid will get better, but Brown and Tatum will get better too. So with the additions coming, plus our having Brad Stevens, how do we lose to them (outside of more injuries)?

They’re going to add a max free agent one of the next two years, have a lottery pick this year or next from the Lakers/Kings and if Simmons starts shooting with the correct hand and gets one shot he can hit consistently outside of the restricted area he’s a top 5 player in the league. Celtics/Sixers is going to define the East for the next 5-8 years, why wouldn’t they be optimistic?

 

[LondonSox]

Redick man misses so many big shots and is a liability defensively.

This series will be a physical battle for years, can't afford a weak spot, balinelli got exiled two games too late and Redick played ole defense.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Line got to -1.5 and then Marcus Smart made a FT he tried to miss to put them over the top with two seconds left. He’s the ultimate pest.