Postseason of discontent: Will NBA players, refs get along?

Tension among players, coaches and referees is never higher than during the playoffs. And now, those relationships are under increased stress as this season has seen an erosion in decorum -- not just on the court, but also behind the scenes on the executive level. It has caused parties to take some radical steps in an attempt to diffuse the situation as the postseason arrives.

The NBA announced a midseason plan to try to curb the almost nightly venom sessions, which included league officials meeting with every team over the past six weeks. The players' union and the referee's union held a historic sitdown over All-Star Weekend, creating a communication channel that cut out the league office.…