The Cavaliers exploited this. They cleared the floor and let James drive to the basket one-on-one. He was guaranteed a bucket or free throws.

Let's not forget this oldie but goodie: The offensive player pump fakes a defender into jumping and then leaps into him to draw an intentional foul.

3 – If a defensive player and an offensive player are running on parallel paths toward the basket, the offensive player should: (a) pull up for a jump shot; (b) lower his shoulder and veer into the offensive player's chest; (c) pass.

Answer: B. It's guaranteed to get a foul call against the defense every time. Just ask Derek Fisher.

4 – A flagrant foul is: (a) punching another player in the face; (b) throwing an opponent into the cheerleaders; (c) nobody really knows.

Answer: C.

So, what can be done about poor officiating?

Nothing.

I called Frank Layden at his home Monday morning. Layden was the colorful and popular coach of the Utah Jazz before he handed the job to Jerry Sloan. The reason Layden left the bench was because the officiating was driving him insane.

The refs no longer get under his skin now that he watches them from a safe distance, but as we discussed officiating he said this: "It's just a hard game to officiate. These athletes are so big and strong and fast, it's an impossible game to officiate."

Layden is right. The game is a blur; it's like trying to police I-15 on a bike. Slow motion replay is not the referee's best friend, because then everyone can see what the referee couldn't see at full speed.

"The players are so big that they're blocking out everything," Layden continues. "And it happens bang-bang. This time of year, referees are tired, too. It's a long season and they're older."

Layden is convinced the NBA works vigorously to improve officiating – "They have guys at games to observe and to meet with the officials afterward and rate them and go over the videotape" – but it doesn't seem to make much of a difference.

"You've got to look for them to be consistent and honest," said Layden. "That's all you can look for."

email: drob@desnews.com