Boston.comAn NBA source pointed out before the game that two of the referees were Chicago natives (Bill Kennedy and Dan Crawford). Kennedy also was involved in an incident with Rivers during the Bulls’ St. Patrick’s Day win in which both were fined by the league for jawing. The source also said that after the game family members of both referees departed wearing Bulls gear.

This explains a lot.  Like how with a 2 point lead and :26 left in the 2nd overtime, John Salmons was given a about a minute and a half to inbounds the ball with no turnover called.  Or how Paul Pierce got called for a ticky tack foul with the game on the line after a clean steal of the inbounds.  It’s because the refs and their families are Bulls fans.  I mean, why not just have John Paxson and Scottie Pippen ref the game?  And what are the chances any of that Bulls gear was paid for?  But I’m sure the league will do nothing about this.  After all, it’s not like an NBA official could ever get bought off.