I've really tried to embrace the fact that refs don't effect the outcome of NBA games, but I've never managed to convince myself.

Sure, throughout the course of a game, a team can make more free throws, shoot a higher clip, turn the ball over fewer times, etc.  My issue with this line a thinking is simple:  NBA games are won down the stretch.  It's the teams that execute in the last 4 minutes of the game that win more than they lose.  Tonight was an officiating embarrassment and the calls down the stretch cost the Kings the game. 

1.) Donte's block was obviously clean and the ref was at no angle to even attempt to make the call. 

2.) Brockman's tip... we'll here's what the rule book says:

A Player Shall Not:
a. Touch the ball or the basket ring when the ball is using the basket ring as its lower
base or hang on the rim while the ball is passing through.

EXCEPTION: If a player near his own basket has his hand legally in contact with the
ball, it is not a violation if his contact with the ball continues after the ball enters the cylin-
der, or if, in such action, he touches the basket.

b. Touch the ball when it is above the basket ring and within the imaginary cylinder.

Did Brockman's call fall under those objections?  Objectively, I don't know.  I suppose this could have gone either way.

3.) Tyreke was was hit across the face in an attempt to stop him from scoring.  That's a foul.  He made the shot, but the and one should have been fouled.  Any contact above the shoulders must be called.  Again the rule book has these provisions.

Those three calls amounted to a loss of at least 4 points.  Can you honestly say the refs don't cost teams games?  I'm not going to pretend to be in that camp.