People underestimate just how much money rules the world. Anything is possible.
To say that there's not even a slight chance that the NBA sometimes shifts the outcomes of game to extend series and make more money in the process, is asinine.
Money is everything. Who knows how much extra revenue is brought in when a series of this caliber goes 7 games instead of 5.
Especially on one end when you have the polarizing, 13 year vet, who's widely recognized as the best player in the world, who's fresh off losing to this very team last year with an undermanned cast. Going up against the future face of the league fresh off his 73 win season, unanimous MVP, 400 3s etc.
Money IS everything. 2 extra games? More sold Merch, advertisement money, tickets going up, dozens of plots and subplots sorrounding the series. Added coverage? I wouldn't put it past any league. It's a business first and business is about money. Game 7 is way more profitable than game 5.
Setting up a rubber match in 2017 is also very profitable. As is the storyline of "Can the King finally overcome the Warriors" in case they lose again.
If handled correctly this could be Celtics-Lakers of our time. Which means $$$$$$
I know we all like to believe that everything is fair and honest, but it is a business. So while I can't say that it's rigged, I'm at the same time not going to rule it out.