Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals turned out to be a defensive struggle, and the amount of physical play that took place led to some great candidates for Flop of the Year. Lance Stephenson was the best nominee, but he failed to fool the officiating crew.
Stephenson was trailing LeBron in transition late in the third quarter when he ran up beside him and tried to draw a cheap foul. He made minimal contact with James and then flopped like he was shot. Fortunately, Stephenson was called for the blocking foul.
LeBron later executed a flop of his own when he nearly drew a flagrant foul call on David West late in the fourth quarter as he was driving to the basket. The Pacers were leading 75-74 at the time when West put a good, clean foul on LeBron. James embellished a little.
Officials reviewed the play and awarded LeBron two free throws. They got it right again by not calling a flagrant on West. I never thought I’d say this in an NBA playoff game, but kudos to the refs for not falling into the trap. The right call was made in both situations.
