Lowcut Media
A certain number of fans have always claimed that the NBA fixes games and favors certain teams. Some think this is overstated, arguing that it’s normal for some superstars and big-market teams to receive favorable whistles from referees. However, others believe these claims are valid, citing controversial games that seem influenced by officials.
Switching to an insider perspective, former No. 2 overall pick Evan Turner shared his views based on his own experience on the court. He talked about it on Gil’s Arena, using Game 7 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics as an example to suggest that the NBA is rigged.
Four-time NBA champion Andre Iguodala didn’t seem to disagree with Turner’s views. Before Turner spoke, Iguodala said that the closeout game in a series is always the toughest but didn’t specify why, allowing Turner to elaborate for him.
“We’re about to play Game 7, 2012, so we were playing the Celtics,” Turner said. “Elton [Brand] is like, ‘We’re gonna have to win by 15 to win by 1.’ I’m like, ‘What do you mean?’ He’s like, ‘Bro, this is the NBA. It’s entertainment. LeBron and the Heat are waiting. Would you rather watch the Celtics or the Sixers against the Heat? I’m gonna be honest with you—I’m on the team, and I wouldn’t even watch the Sixers play the Heat.'”
Game 7 was a tight game, and the 76ers could have won. It’s worth noting that the Celtics only attempted two more free throws than the Sixers in that game. Also in the fourth quarter, Paul Pierce got fouled out with a bit more than 4 minutes to go, and the Celtics were only up by 3 points with under 3 minutes left in the game. However, Rajon Rondo stepped up in the clutch to secure the win for the Celtics.
