A very frusrating game. I am not one to buy into conspiracies, but I do believe in human nature, and human nature is inclined toward favoring certain groups or individuals over others. I do believe something akin to a 'star system' exists in the NBA (although this is ulitmately an empirical question if someone can figure out how to measure it)in which the refs favor certain players over others. For example, there is no way in hell Dante Exum gets the same treatment from the refs as, say, James Harden, where it comes to fouls called. Exum has to get absolutely punished (it seems) to go to the line, while Harden almost inevitably gets benefit of the doubt calls. It is frustrating and enfuriating to watch. Last night, Lowrey got every single benefit of the doubt foul called, while Hayward was getting pummeled and got squat. It is almost impossible to play defense against a 'star,' particularly when it's a lesser player (e.g., Mack) guarding him, when refs make repeated benefit of the doubt calls. I'm not saying the refs cost us the game last night, but they were certainly a factor. Its frustrating as hell watching a star player make endless trips to the foul line because refs seem to just assume he's fouled and decide all doubt in his favor.
On a related subject, I'm all for the last two minute report. In fact, I'd extend it to the entire game. I see no reason why refs should not be held accountable for their performance; players are, coaches are, GMs are. I don't agree with the rationale for exusing refs from similar transparency and accountability. Yes, they are human and they make mistakes, but so are and so do players, same with coaches and GMs (as well as any other job with public visibility), and that doesn't excuse them from transparencty and accountablity any more than it should excuse the refs. Lack of transparency and unaccountable is rarely a good thing, I see see nothing so compelling in this case to suggest that NBA refs merit an exception.