Mavericks fined again over decorum
The Dallas Mavericks have been fined $100,000 for continuing to violate NBA rules regarding team bench decorum, the league announced Sunday.
This marks the third time this postseason Dallas has been fined for bench-decorum violations. The Mavericks have paid $175,000 in bench fines in May.
“The league is worried about the wrong thing,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said after the first fine was assessed.
During the second half of Golden State’s win in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals Friday night at Chase Center, Stephen Curry tried to throw a pass to who he thought was an open teammate in the corner, but it was Dallas two-way contract player Theo Pinson, who was wearing a white shirt and calling for the ball. The Warriors wore white uniforms Friday.
Later in the game, Jordan Poole shot a 3-pointer in front of the Dallas bench and nearly landed on the feet of Mavericks players standing close to the sideline. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was also standing near the team’s bench just inches from the court.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters Sunday that he had an issue with the CurryPinson situation. Otherwise, he hasn’t had any issues with the Mavericks’ bench behavior in this series.
“In fact, I really love the energy that their bench shows, I think it’s great,” Kerr said. “They’ve got great chemistry, great energy, they’ve had a phenomenal season. I think part of it is that they’re so connected and they’re pulling for each other. I love that part of it, but it can’t interfere with the game.”
The Mavericks were assessed similar fines following Games 2 and 7 of the conference semifinal series against the Phoenix Suns. Despite the fines, Dallas continues to support the enthusiasm of Pinson and the rest of their bench. And the Warriors say they will continue to block out the distraction.
“I mean, it’s good,” Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins said. “They’re standing up and they got our colors on or something, you might think one person is another, but it’s good.”