NBA Playoffs - Page 6

Chief Rum · 05-10-2006, 10:38 PM

Gee, ref, how many steps does Nash get?

JeeberD · 05-11-2006, 07:19 PM

Not exactly playoff news, but oh well...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/3855677.html

Rockets' Howard accused of shoplifting

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets forward Juwan Howard was accused today of shoplifting a $2,000 pair of sunglasses from a Miami-area optical store.

Miami police are investigating the claim, but no charges have been filed and Howard has denied any wrongdoing.

"I'm aware of the situation and have spoken to my attorney," Howard said in a statement. "I will vigorously defend myself and (I) am confident I'll be cleared of these baseless charges."

The owner of Eye Q Optical in South Beach told Miami television stations that he has a surveillance tape showing Howard take a pair of sunglasses, though he has not allowed media outlets see the tape.

"We are aware and will continue to monitor the situation," Rockets spokesman Nelson Luis said. "We understand Juwan is cooperating fully and is proclaiming his innocence."

Howard, 33, a 12-year NBA veteran, played the past two seasons with the Rockets and has three seasons (including one at his option) remaining on a six-year, $36.9 million contract he signed with the Orlando Magic.

So I guess bilking NBA teams out of tens of millions of dollars isn't a big enough thrill anymore...

miami_fan · 05-11-2006, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeeberD

Not exactly playoff news, but oh well...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/3855677.html

Rockets' Howard accused of shoplifting

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets forward Juwan Howard was accused today of shoplifting a $2,000 pair of sunglasses from a Miami-area optical store.

Miami police are investigating the claim, but no charges have been filed and Howard has denied any wrongdoing.

"I'm aware of the situation and have spoken to my attorney," Howard said in a statement. "I will vigorously defend myself and (I) am confident I'll be cleared of these baseless charges."

The owner of Eye Q Optical in South Beach told Miami television stations that he has a surveillance tape showing Howard take a pair of sunglasses, though he has not allowed media outlets see the tape.

"We are aware and will continue to monitor the situation," Rockets spokesman Nelson Luis said. "We understand Juwan is cooperating fully and is proclaiming his innocence."

Howard, 33, a 12-year NBA veteran, played the past two seasons with the Rockets and has three seasons (including one at his option) remaining on a six-year, $36.9 million contract he signed with the Orlando Magic.

So I guess bilking NBA teams out of tens of millions of dollars isn't a big enough thrill anymore...

Come on now. What happened to that innocent til guilty thing I heard so much about a few weeks ago

Groundhog · 05-11-2006, 08:47 PM

Bah, when it comes to breaking the law, Juwan's got nothing on Olden Polynice.

DeToxRox · 05-11-2006, 08:59 PM

On the flipside, Juwan couldn't give his herpes away.

Joe · 05-11-2006, 09:33 PM

so Howard is on the trailblazers now?

Franklinnoble · 05-11-2006, 11:03 PM

The curse of Les Boulez...

larrymcg421 · 05-12-2006, 11:56 PM

Radmanovich has taken over the Clippers-Suns game.

Young Drachma · 05-13-2006, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeeberD

Not exactly playoff news, but oh well...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/3855677.html

Rockets' Howard accused of shoplifting

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets forward Juwan Howard was accused today of shoplifting a $2,000 pair of sunglasses from a Miami-area optical store.

Miami police are investigating the claim, but no charges have been filed and Howard has denied any wrongdoing.

"I'm aware of the situation and have spoken to my attorney," Howard said in a statement. "I will vigorously defend myself and (I) am confident I'll be cleared of these baseless charges."

The owner of Eye Q Optical in South Beach told Miami television stations that he has a surveillance tape showing Howard take a pair of sunglasses, though he has not allowed media outlets see the tape.

"We are aware and will continue to monitor the situation," Rockets spokesman Nelson Luis said. "We understand Juwan is cooperating fully and is proclaiming his innocence."

Howard, 33, a 12-year NBA veteran, played the past two seasons with the Rockets and has three seasons (including one at his option) remaining on a six-year, $36.9 million contract he signed with the Orlando Magic.

So I guess bilking NBA teams out of tens of millions of dollars isn't a big enough thrill anymore...

I don't believe it.

Young Drachma · 05-13-2006, 12:18 AM

Clutch shot by Nash, but why do you allow them to eat all that time rather than forcing a shot?

cmp · 05-13-2006, 06:18 PM

Damn, I swear I must be getting the Cleveland feed for this game. Enough with the LeBron praise, it's getting pretty damn annoying. Yeah, he's probably the best player in the league but they don't have to mention it every other sentence.

stevew · 05-13-2006, 06:29 PM

The real MVP is getting his team back into this series vs Detroit.

cmp · 05-13-2006, 06:32 PM

Pistons just didn't execute well at all in the 2nd half, it was their game and they let it slip away.

bosshogg23 · 05-13-2006, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gold101

Pistons just didn't execute well at all in the 2nd half, it was their game and they let it slip away.

No question about that. I thought the announcers were going to wet themselves praising the Pistons D on Lebron in the 3rd quarter.

JeeberD · 05-14-2006, 08:22 PM

And still no one is talking about the Mavs...

RGunner · 05-14-2006, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeeberD

And still no one is talking about the Mavs...

good, dont need anyone to hype them up and take the chance of any of them getting overconfident and not making the right plays...i dont think the spurs can handle Devin Harris when Parker is ailing like he is, brilliant coaching this series minus game 1 by Avery....

Young Drachma · 05-14-2006, 09:29 PM

Way to go Clippers.

miami_fan · 05-15-2006, 06:32 PM

By no means do I fault Larry Hughes for missing games due to the death of his brother. If it were me, I think I would be gone for the playoffs and not just a couple of games. That said, I find it interesting that he has received no criticism for not being with his team during the playoffs in the same way guys have received criticism for being with the wives/girlfriends during childbirth. I don’t see one event being more important than the other. I see no reason to criticize athletes in either case.

Groundhog · 05-15-2006, 08:40 PM

Ugly game, but Cavs looking a real chance here.

Groundhog · 05-15-2006, 08:41 PM

And an offensive foul on Billups.

Young Drachma · 05-15-2006, 08:41 PM

Hmm...its looking close. I hope 'Sheed won't trip too much if they lose.

Young Drachma · 05-15-2006, 08:43 PM

BALLLLGGAAME

Groundhog · 05-15-2006, 08:44 PM

Hah, man, did the Cavs want to give the Pistons any more chances in that last minute?

Young Drachma · 05-15-2006, 08:46 PM

Young Drachma · 05-15-2006, 08:48 PM

Now, if the Mavs can take out the Spurs, we can get that much closer to seeing Mark Cuban in the NBA Finals. Because..well, c'mon. That'd be better than his reality show.

Groundhog · 05-15-2006, 08:50 PM

I sort of hope the Mavs do make it past spurs. Suns-Mavs would be fun (assuming Suns win their series). And a Mavs-Pistons final is much more exciting than Spurs-Pistons.

stevew · 05-15-2006, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miami_fan

By no means do I fault Larry Hughes for missing games due to the death of his brother. If it were me, I think I would be gone for the playoffs and not just a couple of games. That said, I find it interesting that he has received no criticism for not being with his team during the playoffs in the same way guys have received criticism for being with the wives/girlfriends during childbirth. I don’t see one event being more important than the other. I see no reason to criticize athletes in either case.

I thought that the team may play a lot better without him. He really looked BAD in games 1-2. I feel bad about his brother, however. Our coach just threw him into a starting role after being off for a long time, meanwhile guys like Flip Murray were getting it done. Hughes' shot has been off badly as well.

amdaily · 05-15-2006, 09:40 PM

Hughes shouldn't get criticism for missing games, but he should be lambasted for sucking horribily. He never proved he should have been inserted back into the starting lineup at any point during the end of the reg. season or the first series. Should be brought off the bench when the team needs a defensive stop and that is it.

stevew · 05-15-2006, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amdaily

Hughes shouldn't get criticism for missing games, but he should be lambasted for sucking horribily. He never proved he should have been inserted back into the starting lineup at any point during the end of the reg. season or the first series. Should be brought off the bench when the team needs a defensive stop and that is it.

Yeah, exactly.

Game 2 they are down 5, i think. He gets a charge on a dumbass drive to the hoop. And then on the other side of the court, he hacks someone who gets an and 1....the game is over.

Groundhog · 05-15-2006, 11:39 PM

Huge shot by Finley. Can Mavs pull it out...

Groundhog · 05-15-2006, 11:40 PM

Nowitzki does what Stackhouse couldn't, and makes the 2 FTs. Scores tied, 8 seconds left. Spurs ball.

Groundhog · 05-15-2006, 11:44 PM

MikeVic · 05-15-2006, 11:50 PM

Funny couple of Mavs turnovers in a row there. Over-zealous I guess.

stevew · 05-15-2006, 11:51 PM

Great night of basketball.

PackerFanatic · 05-16-2006, 12:00 AM

Mavs taking it to the defending Champs.

Mavs/Suns could be a good Conference Finals matchup (if the Suns can pull outta LA)

miami_fan · 05-16-2006, 05:18 AM

Associated Press

DALLAS -- Maybe this will make Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban feel better about his $200,000 fine from the NBA last week: Cuban's club has forced a likely change in the playoff format.

NBA commissioner David Stern discussed a new seeding system Monday aimed at fixing the flaw the Mavericks exposed this season. The Mavs won 60 games, but were seeded fourth behind the three division winners despite a better record.

That's why Dallas and San Antonio, both in the Southwest Division, are meeting in the second round despite having the two best records in the Western Conference.

Under the new proposal, the top four seeds would be slotted by record among the three division winners and the team with the next-best record. Had that been in place this season, the Spurs still would have been No. 1, but the Mavericks would have been No. 2. And they couldn't have met until the conference finals.

The team with the better record -- regardless of seed -- would also have home-court advantage in a series under the new system.

Stern said it was important to keep rewarding division winners in the new system, which still must be approved by the league's competition committee.

"I think if you're going to have a division structure, then give some credibility to that fact," Stern said.

Before Monday's game, Stern visited with Cuban while the outspoken owner worked out on a stair-stepper machine in the Mavericks' locker room. Cuban was wearing a T-shirt that read "Payback time" and told Stern the workout was his pregame ritual.

Last week, Cuban was fined for going on the court to complain about the officiating and for critical comments he made in a blog entry under the title, "How to improve NBA Playoff Officiating."

In the blog, Cuban called the current way officials are chosen for the playoffs a "huge problem." He went on to suggest the league rank referees based on their regular-season performance and use the minimum number of officials necessary in the postseason.

Stern said Monday he didn't think there was merit to the idea.

"It's the kind of conversation I understand and it is an issue, but that's a conversation I would have privately with my owners," Stern said.

"Whatever the individual merits of a particular incident, I can't have 30 owners out there saying whatever they feel like saying. And I can't have 30 owners running on the court to berate the officials."

Stern also said the league would likely ban players next season from wearing tights underneath the shorts. Some players, including Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, have worn leggings that extend all the way down to the ankles.

Stern squeezed in a parting shot at the tights before he likely outlaws the growing fashion trend.

"I think it's good that they look goofy," Stern said.

JeeberD · 05-16-2006, 08:40 AM

I dear lord I hope the Mavs can pull this off. I hate the Spurs SOOOO much and I want to see them go down SOOOO badly...

Groundhog · 05-17-2006, 12:28 AM

Bye-bye Nets. Raptor fans must be cheering.

Yet another OT game, Suns and Clips.

Marion with a couple of clutch FT misses, too.

TazFTW · 05-17-2006, 12:44 AM

I love Raja!

RGunner · 05-17-2006, 12:45 AM

thats a hell of a shot by Bell...geez

Chief Rum · 05-17-2006, 12:47 AM

I can't stand that fucker. But I have to admit he's money when the game's on the line. Come ooooooon, Clips!

RGunner · 05-17-2006, 12:53 AM

as a Mavs fan, i want the clippers to win if the mavs can pull out against the spurs, i think the mavs have a much better chance against the clips then the suns...so lets go clippers

Groundhog · 05-17-2006, 12:55 AM

Marion can be an absolute monster at times.

MrBug708 · 05-17-2006, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groundhog

Marion can be an absolute monster at times.

Just not generally int he playoffs...

saldana · 05-17-2006, 12:59 AM

i hate raja, and can someone please cut nash's hair

SackAttack · 05-17-2006, 01:10 AM

Looks like the Suns go to LA up 3-2.

I'm not gonna say these calls cost the Clippers the game - I think the 17 turnovers and Brand's two missed FT's late in the 4th had more to do with that - but that out-of-bounds call on Livingston was terrible, and the 8-second violation on Cassell in the 4th was flat out asinine. Huge, huge mistakes by the officiating crew.

miami_fan · 05-17-2006, 06:06 AM

The Nets has to find at least one scoring threat from the 4 or 5 spot. 2 points from three players is an embarrassment.

JeeberD · 05-17-2006, 07:56 AM

Thanks god the Mavs game is a late start again tonight. I should be able to catch the second half after I get off work...

stevew · 05-17-2006, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saldana

i hate raja, and can someone please cut nash's hair

No shit, he's a greasy fucker(nash).

SnDvls · 05-17-2006, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SackAttack

Looks like the Suns go to LA up 3-2.

I'm not gonna say these calls cost the Clippers the game - I think the 17 turnovers and Brand's two missed FT's late in the 4th had more to do with that - but that out-of-bounds call on Livingston was terrible, and the 8-second violation on Cassell in the 4th was flat out asinine. Huge, huge mistakes by the officiating crew.

agree on the OB play, but Cassell just had a brain fart and forgot about one of the simple rules of the game. The clips could have won, but too many stupid turnovers late in the game, including the inbounds pass to nobody and straight out of bounds again.

05-10-2006, 10:38 PM	#251
Chief Rum Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Where Hip Hop lives	Gee, ref, how many steps does Nash get? __________________ . . I would rather be wrong...Than live in the shadows of your song...My mind is open wide...And now I'm ready to start...You're not sure...You open the door...And step out into the dark...Now I'm ready.

05-11-2006, 07:19 PM	#252
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	Not exactly playoff news, but oh well... http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/3855677.html Rockets' Howard accused of shoplifting By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle Houston Rockets forward Juwan Howard was accused today of shoplifting a $2,000 pair of sunglasses from a Miami-area optical store. Miami police are investigating the claim, but no charges have been filed and Howard has denied any wrongdoing. "I'm aware of the situation and have spoken to my attorney," Howard said in a statement. "I will vigorously defend myself and (I) am confident I'll be cleared of these baseless charges." The owner of Eye Q Optical in South Beach told Miami television stations that he has a surveillance tape showing Howard take a pair of sunglasses, though he has not allowed media outlets see the tape. "We are aware and will continue to monitor the situation," Rockets spokesman Nelson Luis said. "We understand Juwan is cooperating fully and is proclaiming his innocence." Howard, 33, a 12-year NBA veteran, played the past two seasons with the Rockets and has three seasons (including one at his option) remaining on a six-year, $36.9 million contract he signed with the Orlando Magic. So I guess bilking NBA teams out of tens of millions of dollars isn't a big enough thrill anymore... __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

05-11-2006, 08:47 PM	#254
Groundhog Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia	Bah, when it comes to breaking the law, Juwan's got nothing on Olden Polynice. __________________ Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. --Ambrose Bierce

05-12-2006, 11:56 PM	#258
larrymcg421 Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Georgia	Radmanovich has taken over the Clippers-Suns game. __________________ Top 10 Songs of the Year 1955-Present (1976 Added) Franchise Portfolio Draft Winner Fictional Character Draft Winner Television Family Draft Winner Build Your Own Hollywood Studio Draft Winner

05-13-2006, 12:18 AM	#260
Young Drachma Dark Cloud Join Date: Apr 2001	Clutch shot by Nash, but why do you allow them to eat all that time rather than forcing a shot? __________________ Current Dynasty:The Zenith of Professional Basketball Careers (FBPB/FBCB) FBCB / FPB3 Mods

05-11-2006, 08:59 PM	#255
DeToxRox Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Michigan	On the flipside, Juwan couldn't give his herpes away.

05-11-2006, 09:33 PM	#256
Joe Pro Starter Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Minneapolis	so Howard is on the trailblazers now?

05-11-2006, 11:03 PM	#257
Franklinnoble Banned Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Placerville, CA	The curse of Les Boulez...

05-13-2006, 06:18 PM	#261
cmp Pro Rookie Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Grand Rapids, MI	Damn, I swear I must be getting the Cleveland feed for this game. Enough with the LeBron praise, it's getting pretty damn annoying. Yeah, he's probably the best player in the league but they don't have to mention it every other sentence. Last edited by cmp : 05-13-2006 at 06:19 PM.

05-13-2006, 06:29 PM	#262
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	The real MVP is getting his team back into this series vs Detroit.

05-13-2006, 06:32 PM	#263
cmp Pro Rookie Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Grand Rapids, MI	Pistons just didn't execute well at all in the 2nd half, it was their game and they let it slip away. Last edited by cmp : 05-13-2006 at 06:32 PM.

05-14-2006, 08:22 PM	#265
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	And still no one is talking about the Mavs... __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

05-14-2006, 09:29 PM	#267
Young Drachma Dark Cloud Join Date: Apr 2001	Way to go Clippers. __________________ Current Dynasty:The Zenith of Professional Basketball Careers (FBPB/FBCB) FBCB / FPB3 Mods

05-15-2006, 06:32 PM	#268
miami_fan Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Land O Lakes FL	By no means do I fault Larry Hughes for missing games due to the death of his brother. If it were me, I think I would be gone for the playoffs and not just a couple of games. That said, I find it interesting that he has received no criticism for not being with his team during the playoffs in the same way guys have received criticism for being with the wives/girlfriends during childbirth. I don’t see one event being more important than the other. I see no reason to criticize athletes in either case.

05-15-2006, 08:40 PM	#269
Groundhog Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia	Ugly game, but Cavs looking a real chance here. __________________ Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. --Ambrose Bierce

05-15-2006, 08:41 PM	#270
Groundhog Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia	And an offensive foul on Billups. __________________ Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. --Ambrose Bierce

05-15-2006, 08:41 PM	#271
Young Drachma Dark Cloud Join Date: Apr 2001	Hmm...its looking close. I hope 'Sheed won't trip too much if they lose. __________________ Current Dynasty:The Zenith of Professional Basketball Careers (FBPB/FBCB) FBCB / FPB3 Mods

05-15-2006, 08:43 PM	#272
Young Drachma Dark Cloud Join Date: Apr 2001	BALLLLGGAAME __________________ Current Dynasty:The Zenith of Professional Basketball Careers (FBPB/FBCB) FBCB / FPB3 Mods

05-15-2006, 08:44 PM	#273
Groundhog Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia	Hah, man, did the Cavs want to give the Pistons any more chances in that last minute? __________________ Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. --Ambrose Bierce

05-15-2006, 08:46 PM	#274
Young Drachma Dark Cloud Join Date: Apr 2001	Woo __________________ Current Dynasty:The Zenith of Professional Basketball Careers (FBPB/FBCB) FBCB / FPB3 Mods

05-15-2006, 08:48 PM	#275
Young Drachma Dark Cloud Join Date: Apr 2001	Now, if the Mavs can take out the Spurs, we can get that much closer to seeing Mark Cuban in the NBA Finals. Because..well, c'mon. That'd be better than his reality show. __________________ Current Dynasty:The Zenith of Professional Basketball Careers (FBPB/FBCB) FBCB / FPB3 Mods

05-15-2006, 08:50 PM	#276
Groundhog Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia	I sort of hope the Mavs do make it past spurs. Suns-Mavs would be fun (assuming Suns win their series). And a Mavs-Pistons final is much more exciting than Spurs-Pistons. __________________ Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. --Ambrose Bierce

05-15-2006, 09:40 PM	#278
amdaily College Prospect Join Date: Nov 2003	Hughes shouldn't get criticism for missing games, but he should be lambasted for sucking horribily. He never proved he should have been inserted back into the starting lineup at any point during the end of the reg. season or the first series. Should be brought off the bench when the team needs a defensive stop and that is it.

05-15-2006, 11:39 PM	#280
Groundhog Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia	Huge shot by Finley. Can Mavs pull it out... __________________ Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. --Ambrose Bierce

05-15-2006, 11:40 PM	#281
Groundhog Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia	Nowitzki does what Stackhouse couldn't, and makes the 2 FTs. Scores tied, 8 seconds left. Spurs ball. __________________ Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. --Ambrose Bierce

05-15-2006, 11:44 PM	#282
Groundhog Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia	OT. __________________ Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. --Ambrose Bierce

05-15-2006, 11:50 PM	#283
MikeVic Head Coach Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hometown of Canada	Funny couple of Mavs turnovers in a row there. Over-zealous I guess.

05-15-2006, 11:51 PM	#284
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Great night of basketball.

05-16-2006, 12:00 AM	#285
PackerFanatic Pro Starter Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Appleton, WI	Mavs taking it to the defending Champs. Mavs/Suns could be a good Conference Finals matchup (if the Suns can pull outta LA) __________________ Commissioner of the RNFL

05-16-2006, 05:18 AM	#286
miami_fan Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Land O Lakes FL	Proposed Change in the Playoff Format Associated Press DALLAS -- Maybe this will make Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban feel better about his $200,000 fine from the NBA last week: Cuban's club has forced a likely change in the playoff format. NBA commissioner David Stern discussed a new seeding system Monday aimed at fixing the flaw the Mavericks exposed this season. The Mavs won 60 games, but were seeded fourth behind the three division winners despite a better record. That's why Dallas and San Antonio, both in the Southwest Division, are meeting in the second round despite having the two best records in the Western Conference. Under the new proposal, the top four seeds would be slotted by record among the three division winners and the team with the next-best record. Had that been in place this season, the Spurs still would have been No. 1, but the Mavericks would have been No. 2. And they couldn't have met until the conference finals. The team with the better record -- regardless of seed -- would also have home-court advantage in a series under the new system. Stern said it was important to keep rewarding division winners in the new system, which still must be approved by the league's competition committee. "I think if you're going to have a division structure, then give some credibility to that fact," Stern said. Before Monday's game, Stern visited with Cuban while the outspoken owner worked out on a stair-stepper machine in the Mavericks' locker room. Cuban was wearing a T-shirt that read "Payback time" and told Stern the workout was his pregame ritual. Last week, Cuban was fined for going on the court to complain about the officiating and for critical comments he made in a blog entry under the title, "How to improve NBA Playoff Officiating." In the blog, Cuban called the current way officials are chosen for the playoffs a "huge problem." He went on to suggest the league rank referees based on their regular-season performance and use the minimum number of officials necessary in the postseason. Stern said Monday he didn't think there was merit to the idea. "It's the kind of conversation I understand and it is an issue, but that's a conversation I would have privately with my owners," Stern said. "Whatever the individual merits of a particular incident, I can't have 30 owners out there saying whatever they feel like saying. And I can't have 30 owners running on the court to berate the officials." Stern also said the league would likely ban players next season from wearing tights underneath the shorts. Some players, including Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, have worn leggings that extend all the way down to the ankles. Stern squeezed in a parting shot at the tights before he likely outlaws the growing fashion trend. "I think it's good that they look goofy," Stern said.

05-16-2006, 08:40 AM	#287
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	I dear lord I hope the Mavs can pull this off. I hate the Spurs SOOOO much and I want to see them go down SOOOO badly... __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

05-17-2006, 12:28 AM	#288
Groundhog Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia	Bye-bye Nets. Raptor fans must be cheering. Yet another OT game, Suns and Clips. Marion with a couple of clutch FT misses, too. __________________ Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. --Ambrose Bierce

05-17-2006, 12:44 AM	#289
TazFTW Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Honolulu, HI	I love Raja! __________________ "Teams don't want to make the trip anymore," says Hawaii coach June Jones. "They come here, we kick their ass, they go home." Fire Ron Lee.

05-17-2006, 12:45 AM	#290
RGunner High School JV Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Fort Worth, Texas	thats a hell of a shot by Bell...geez

05-17-2006, 12:47 AM	#291
Chief Rum Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Where Hip Hop lives	I can't stand that fucker. But I have to admit he's money when the game's on the line. Come ooooooon, Clips! __________________ . . I would rather be wrong...Than live in the shadows of your song...My mind is open wide...And now I'm ready to start...You're not sure...You open the door...And step out into the dark...Now I'm ready.