The Media Favors the Miami Heat
By elmiko
@elmiko (6630)
United States
June 3, 2011 9:16pm CST
Theres no doubt that the way all the hype is surrounding the nba finals that the abc network wants the heat to win. The people talking before the game are pushing for lebron and the heat to win it all. Its like their trying to imagine lebron finally getting an nba ring. Its almost like the Mavericks don't even exist as a team until the game actually starts. Okay, I'm probably exaggerating somewhat but don't you think the Mavericks deserve more respect? I still think the Mavericks have a better shot at beating the Heat instead of the other way around. After all the Mavericks to sweep the 2-time repeating NBA champ Lakers. Of course the heat would make more money as NBA Champs and thats why the ABC Network is hyping for them to win. I guess the NBA needs all the money they can get as a whole before the upcoming NBA lockout. From what I hear the players and owners of the NBA are more far apart from a deal then the NFL owners and players ever were.
2 responses
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
4 Jun 11
It's always like that. On one hand, it gets on my nerves. On the other hand, we should all expect it.
Most of the NBA analysts are former players. These guys have lived and breathed basketball since they were kids. In essence, they're superfans of the sport. And like most fans, they're unable to be objective - they love popular teams.
Mark Jackson and Van Gundy really let their biases out, especially Van Gundy when covering the Orlando Magic. Reggie Miller and Steve Kerr also go with the popular teams.
It's like this in every sport. In the NFL, they have Troy Aikman covering Dallas Cowboys games on Fox! 
They're not looking for objectivity; they just want knowledgable analysis and someone who speaks well.
I don't think you're exaggerating that much. Last year, when the Celtics took on the Lakers, everything from the coverage to the calls on the court were 100% one-sided, with announcers and networks and refs favoring the Lakers.
Stern knows the system is corrupt and slanted toward fan favorites. In fact, he NEEDS the NBA to be that. It needs to bring in revenue, that's why he's quick to shut people up if they criticize any aspect of the officiating or announcing or press coverage.
I think you're right on track here with people pulling for the Heat. The NBA needs it, ABC needs it, everyone with money on the table would do better to have the Heat win.
Underdogs in the NBA don't simply have to compete against talent. Terry and Kidd and Dirk and Peja and The Matrix and the entire crew on the floor for Dallas not only have to contend with Bosh, Wade and James, but they bring in Mr. Ghost Foul himself, one Joey Crawford, to ensure that the superstars get to stay in games until they're over.
Very, very rarely with a big-name star be on the bench down the stretch due to foul trouble, much less will they be fouled out.
The entire NBA system is crooked. The Mavs are underdogs here in every sense of the word, and that's why I'm pulling for them to win. 
They're not looking for objectivity; they just want knowledgable analysis and someone who speaks well.
I don't think you're exaggerating that much. Last year, when the Celtics took on the Lakers, everything from the coverage to the calls on the court were 100% one-sided, with announcers and networks and refs favoring the Lakers.
Stern knows the system is corrupt and slanted toward fan favorites. In fact, he NEEDS the NBA to be that. It needs to bring in revenue, that's why he's quick to shut people up if they criticize any aspect of the officiating or announcing or press coverage.
I think you're right on track here with people pulling for the Heat. The NBA needs it, ABC needs it, everyone with money on the table would do better to have the Heat win.
Underdogs in the NBA don't simply have to compete against talent. Terry and Kidd and Dirk and Peja and The Matrix and the entire crew on the floor for Dallas not only have to contend with Bosh, Wade and James, but they bring in Mr. Ghost Foul himself, one Joey Crawford, to ensure that the superstars get to stay in games until they're over.
Very, very rarely with a big-name star be on the bench down the stretch due to foul trouble, much less will they be fouled out.
The entire NBA system is crooked. The Mavs are underdogs here in every sense of the word, and that's why I'm pulling for them to win. @elmiko (6630)
• United States
6 Jun 11
matersfish, your more skeptical about the NBA overall then I am. I do believe the games have a chance at being crooked but i'm not certain of it. I know the referee who was gambling while doing his job was crooked but I just don't know how corrupt it gets with all the referees. Well, when i think about it even more i remember mavericks owner mark cuban saying the other nba owners said the games were rigged on tv in an interview. cuban is a very outspoken person and being that hes an owner makes me think the nba is more corrupt. i do think there is some very solid backing that the nba is corrupt and the games are rigged. i feel sad to think that way that money means more then competition. the possible nba lockout would prove it even more as these nba players and owners should be happy even if either side had to take a paycut since both make enormous amounts of money as it is.
@mouseattacks (58)
• United States
4 Jun 11
Well, considering the results of Game 2 of Finals when the Mavs came back from 16 down to win the game and take home court advantage, they have proven they exist.
And I agree with you, I think the Mavs can beat the Heat.
