Claim #3: Nets-Cavs May 9, 1993

Claim: Dick Bavetta made sure that the Nets would win by giving fouls to Drazen Petrovic. (Personal Foul, p 101)

For: Petrovic did get 3 quick fouls and sat most of the first half (http://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/10/sports/pro-basketball-the-nets-never-say-die-but-they-re-done.html).

Against: According to the box score, the fouls were not lopsided in this game.

Impact: Cleveland would have advanced in the playoffs. The Bulls almost for sure would have steamrolled them the next round. Petrovic died less than a month later and given that he almost for sure wouldn't have been on the same road at the same instant, he might still be alive.

Accuracy: Maybe - given how long ago it was, it was hard to uncover facts. I'd love to see video of the first half.

Funny: That NY Times article says "In the end, this series will be remembered as (Derrick) Coleman's coming-out party, when he elevated himself before a nation from very good to great." Well that didn't exactly pan out.