Without taking the avenue of referee bashing, the officials in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals -- Ed Malloy, Jason Phillips, Dan Crawford -- were, shall we say, a tad bid too whistle happy. Perhaps the best example of the referee's quick whistles came late in the second quarter, when Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers received a technical foul from Malloy after he said three words. Those technical-worthy words? "Come on, Ed."
"I know mine wasn't [deserved]," Rivers said. "I don't know how long I've been in the league, but that has to rank as the worst I've ever had. I would have liked to have earned it."
"We should never get them, I told our guys," Rivers said, before adding, "Everybody has to keep their composure, not just just the players and coaches." (via WEEI)
Doc should probably be expecting a phone call from the league and have his checkbook ready. But, he was right. In total, the Celtics received four technical fouls, only one of which was deserved (Rajon Rondo throwing an arm at Shane Battier in the second half).
For 2012 NBA Playoffs news, visit our stream. For Celtics news, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog. For Heat news, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay and Peninsula Is Mightier.