There is no discussion about the fact that the intensity and energy level in the playoffs is significantly higher than in the regular season, hence hard fouls more likely to occur. Consequently, it is no surprise that flagrant fouls, technical fouls as well as ejections and subsequent suspensions peek every year during the post-season.

However, in order to provide a reasonable guideline of what is allowed on the floor some degree of consistency is required. As far as officiating on the court goes an unusual arbitrary sense of judgment could be observed in the first two playoff rounds this year. But even more confusing were some of the decisions made by NBA commissioner David Stern and his staff, most importantly those concerning reviewed plays following several post-season games.

For instance, when Rajon Rondo sent Brad Miller to the floor bleeding after a blow to his head, no ejection or at least a flagrant foul call took place. While this may be excusable for the referees who have to make the call right away, there is very little understanding among NBA fans why the NBA refused to upgrade the foul after it was officially reviewed the next day. Orlando Magic players Dwight Howard and Rafer Alston were suspended for less in the first and second round respectively. In contrast, Celtics player Kendrick Perkins got away with intentionally throwing an elbow at Pietrus throat.

These inconsistencies raise the question what impact on the game they might have. If the same kind of foul can result in an ejection and suspension as well as solely two free throws for the opposing team, players are left with no guideline of what they are supposed to do in certain situations. Put another way, should Rajon Rondo continue committing potential flagrant two fouls hoping to get away with it? Should Dwight Howard try to play less physical in order to avoid being sidelined in the next game?

Depending on how the NBA will decide to address these issues significant implications for the rest of the post-season may emerge. One cannot blame the officials on the floor for not getting every foul call right, but one can certainly expect NBA commissioner Stern to appropriately categorize potential flagrant fouls after reviewing the play in question fifty times.

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