Bavetta Referees Despite Allegations

LOS ANGELES, June 15 -- NBA game official Dick Bavetta was on the three-man crew that refereed Game 5, only five days after disgraced former referee Tim Donaghy alleged that Bavetta was involved in manipulating the results of a 2002 playoff game. Bavetta worked the controversial Game 6 of 2002's Western Conference finals between the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers in which the Lakers benefited from a huge free-throw advantage.

Donaghy alleged in a court statement last week that the NBA had two "company men" work the game to ensure that the series was extended to seven games. NBA Commissioner David Stern also confirmed that a federal investigation into Donaghy included questions about Bavetta. Bavetta also worked this year's Game 1 in Boston.

Lakers Coach Phil Jackson was asked before the game about the controversy, which has cast a shadow on this playoff series. "I thought it had receded," Jackson said. "I think it's something that is best settled for the summer. We hope the summer brings some things around that will just cool this off and we can have some confidence again with the public about our refereeing situation."

Wizards' Loss, Celtics' Gain

The Celtics flustered the Lakers through the first four games with a smothering defensive scheme from assistant Tom Thibodeau, who spent less than a week with the Washington Wizards last summer before having a change of heart. ABC analyst and former New York and Houston coach Jeff Van Gundy credited Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld and Coach Eddie Jordan for letting Thibodeau out of his contract to make the move to Boston. "Tom, after being there for a few days didn't think it was the right fit," Van Gundy said. "They wanted what was best for Tom. A lot of organizations wouldn't care about people as much as they did."

Perkins Sits

Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins didn't play in Game 5 on Sunday. He strained his left shoulder in the third quarter of Game 4 on Thursday. Leon Powe started at center for the Celtics.

Perkins had surgery on the same shoulder two years ago. He averaged 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds this series. "It's very disappointing. It's not often that guys get to go to the Finals. I have the opportunity to play in the Finals, with the Celtics and Lakers and all that history, so to have that taken away is disappointing," Perkins said. . . .

Celtics Coach Doc Rivers wasn't just shouting instructions to his players in Los Angeles. He also engaged in some spirited conversations with actor Jack Nicholson, whose seat is near the Celtics' bench. "Well, that's the beginning of the games," Rivers said. "Other than that, he's jawing, but it's not to me. He's just yelling on the floor."

What does Nicholson tell him? "Usually tells me his [golf] score that day, and I always question the number that he tells me. Other than that, that's about all we talk about."