NBA is trying to prove a negative this postseason

Can't we all just get along?

Not this time of year.

It's true, the thrust of human history suggests some progress. We not only don't burn witches at the stake anymore, they now have websites such as the one offering "news and networking for the Modern Witch, Wiccan and Pagan Community."

Still, as nations have yet to beat their swords into plowshares, no NBA coach has ever gone through a playoff series without targeting the referees, as the Lakers' Phil Jackson did after Game 4, and Denver's George Karl did after Game 5.

Of course, if you're playing the Lakers, or the '90s Bulls or the '60s Celtics, there's the old League Conspiracy.

In the really bad news, there is a league conspiracy these days.

It's not the one people allege, to deliver the right two teams to the Finals.

Instead, Commissioner David Stern and his officials are now conspiring to demonstrate that there's no conspiracy, which is where this spring's wave of technical fouls, flagrant fouls and judicial reviews came from.

Denver's Kenyon Martin has had eight Ts -- one more than it takes to be suspended -- but three were rescinded.

Kobe Bryant, of course, is sitting on five, as is Orlando's Dwight Howard.

The Western Conference finals have been competitive and noncontroversial, but they're warming up.

After the Nuggets were hammered in Game 5, Karl blamed the referees, noting he was shocked -- shocked! -- that Jackson could get such quick service after going on about the officiating after the Lakers' loss in Game 4.

"Phil is so better at it than I am," said Karl, "so much more philosophical about the whistle and how it changed."

Not that Karl didn't have reason to be offended. In a key play in the fourth quarter, Nene got his fifth foul, trying to draw a charge on Pau Gasol.

I thought it close but correct -- Nene was moving and didn't have position -- but it was followed by a ticky-tack T for saying something over his shoulder as he walked off.

So, Stern's system, which is supposed to reassure Karl he's getting a fair deal, just gave Denver's coach another reason to believe the NBA not only would like the Lakers in the Finals, it's trying to make it happen.

Not that Karl, the Nuggets, and Denver, didn't already think so, and will ever stop.

This just in: People cherish their conspiracy theories.

Not that this is new. Worse, but not new.