Should You Argue?

Another classic NBA game the other day between the Lakers and the Spurs, or was it?

In gm4 of the western conference finals, the Lakers beat the Spurs with a controversial no call at the end of the game. Brent Berry was clearly fouled on the last play by Derek Fisher but the referees didn't make the call, the ball game ended, everyone walked off the floor and the Spurs didn't make a strong argument on that final play. Or, should they?

Of course they should, I strongly believe. I don't care how everyone says it was a great non-call by the refs. Or some @#$! like the ref won't make such calls down the stretch. I also don't know why the entire SanAntonio team acted like a bunch of gentlmen when they really need to get in the refs faces. Even if it goes down dirty, I am sure they can do better than just shrug their shoulders and act like it's alright.

It's not alright. They are lying to themselves.

I am sure most people will say "calm down, it's just a game" or "well, it's not gm7" or "the Spurs will come back and win it anyway" or I am sure this is what coach Popovich was thinking "the no call will fire up my team."

Yeah, I thought of that last option too, but you know what? None of the option exists if it was a do or die, life on the line situation. It's the point that separates winners and losers. By arguing the call, the Spurs are keeping their chances alive. The team could ask for an instant reply, which is now an option to use, it's within the rule anyway. They should have fought harder on the issue but they obviously didn't. If they had argued for it and the ref over ruled the previous call, it's not just one game that they could have won, it's also a mental turn around for the Spurs and mental break down for the Lakers on the other side.

It doesn't matter how you win. A win is a win. The chance is up for grab, it's not out of reach. Just a matter of take it or leave it.

That's why Michael Jordan is so great. That's why Bill Gates beat Steve Jobs for the OS market. Whoever has the stronger will wins the battle. It's a matter of survival.

The Spurs were teased in the following game and the Lakers won the series in five. Now it's too late and pointless to even mention the non-call of game 4.