DALLAS ( Associated Press) — The NBA fined the Dallas Mavericks for the third time in the playoffs on Sunday for violating its bench rules.
The penalty has doubled each time, with the latest $100,000 after Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals at Golden State on Friday. Game 3 in Dallas was scheduled for Sunday night. None of the penalties were from the games in Dallas.
Many Mavericks players have stood for most or all games during the playoffs, including home games. The fine has been imposed for prolonged standing for players and coaches, for straying too far from the bench and for encroaching upon the court during the course of the game action.
After Games 2 and 7 in Arizona, both the first two penalties were from the West semifinal against Phoenix. The first penalty was $25,000, the second $50,000 after Dallas’ 33-point victory in the deciding game.
During the Warriors’ 126–117 win in Game 2, Stephen Curry threw a pass out-of-bounds with no teammates in the field. The pass was held by Theo Pinson of Dallas, wearing a white shirt, standing and shaking hands. The Golden State was wearing their home white uniform.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the shootout on Sunday, “He has raised his hands to call the ball.” “that’s too much.”
Kerr said that Curry’s turnover was the only time he was upset with the Dallas bench during Game 2.
“Actually, I love his bench,” Kerr said. “They have great chemistry, great energy. They’ve had a phenomenal season, and part of that is because they’re so connected.”
Pinson signed a 10-day contract with the Mavericks at the start of the season during the COVID-19 outbreak. He got a two-year deal and has been cheering from the bench as his playing time is reduced. Pinson has been inactive in the playoffs.
Tim Hardaway Jr. has also got into the spirit of cheering from the bench. He has been out since January with a broken left leg and is not expected to return during the playoffs.
They aren’t the only two who have stood tall, and the Mavericks may not be ready to change their approach with the bench, if Hardaway’s Twitter reaction to the latest fine There is no indication.
In another incident in Game 2, Davis Burtons of the Mavericks clashed with Damien Lee after making a 3-pointer in front of the Dallas bench. The contact caused several Golden State players to approach the bench, but there was no confrontation. Burtons and Lee were assessed for a technical fault.
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