Shaq Thanks David Stern And The Refs For The Lakers Comeback Win Against Blazers In Game 7 From 19 Years Ago

Today is the 19th anniversary of the 2000 Western Conference Finals game 7 between the Lakers and Blazers. You may remember that one for this play:

Arguably the most memorable play of the Kobe/Shaq era. However, it’s remembered for being quite controversial. Hell, even Steve Smith still brings it up:

The Lakers were getting all the calls. I still remember it to this day. I hate the Lakers. I’m not even a Celtics fan – hate them too. But, I always hated the Lakers and I always hated Kobe. So 13 year old me was pretty fired up during this game.

Now you have Shaq thanking David Stern and Dick Bavetta – the commissioner and ref. Makes you think in a league where there’s been a Tim Donaghy situation. A league where there is a conspiracy theory all over the place of refs giving calls and frozen envelopes. Was the NBA up to something here?

It makes sense. The NBA would obviously prefer the Lakers in the NBA Finals over the Blazers from a ratings standpoint. You had two superstars, a massive city and an easy storyline.

What I really love though? Shaq just throwing gas on the fire. The Blazers are coming off another Western Conference Finals lost – no conspiracy theory this year. Stir that pot, Shaq. Now excuse me but I believe it’s time to yell

THIS LEAGUE