บท 568: Chapter 406: Number 24 is Far Worse than Number 8

Yu Fei and George Karl saw the Lakers' winning streak since 2004 unceremoniously snapped in the third game of the Western Conference Finals.

Back on their home court, the Lakers unleashed their full power, and everyone performed well. Even with the added boost of home-court advantage, the Supersonics struggled through four quarters but still came up short.

106 to 101

"The free throw count is 15 to 31," Karl's reaction was like the Zen Master's before him, questioning the officiating, "Why can't we play under the same standards?"

However, such complaints were useless against the Lakers.

Karl was fined, but the officiating in the fourth game of the Western Conference Finals remained the same.

This wasn't because Karl lacked clout, or that the League wanted the Lakers to win; no, it was a matter of inertia — and a form of reward.