NEW YORK— The Dallas Mavericks were fined US$50,000 (around P2.6 million) by the NBA on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) for a second violation of bench decorum during their Western Conference semifinal series against Phoenix.
The second fine, twice as much as the first, was issued after Dallas' blowout Game Seven victory in Phoenix that sent the Mavericks to the West finals against Golden State. Game One of that series was Wednesday night in San Francisco.
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The league said players and a member of the Mavs coaching staff stood for extended periods, were too far from the bench area and encroached on the court during game action. Dallas beat Phoenix 123-90 on Sunday night.
The previous fine was issued after Game Two in Phoenix, won by the Suns 129-109 for a 2-0 series lead. The Mavericks rallied by winning four of the last five games.
Dallas coach Jason Kidd criticized the league after the first fine, saying the league is focusing on the wrong things. He said players cheering their teammates should be celebrated rather than punished.
The second fine was issued not long before Kidd was to speak to reporters before the opener of the West finals.
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