Carl-
An intentional foul is called when a player does not go after the ball. For example, if a player simply grabbed an opposing player, then that's intentional.

Although I agree it's tedious, I do happen to like how basketball can turn into a game of real strategy toward the end. It takes a lot of smarts to keep your cool and your eye on the prize at the end of the game. Further, it is not an easy task to shoot foul shots under that much pressure and scrutiny. As well, it's hard to catch your breath and calm your body down enough to shoot the foul shot after running up and down the court. Not many people appreciate how difficult that is.

Keeping it real in Toronto,
Rob