Mavericks draw second NBA fine for 'bench decorum' during Game 7 win over Suns
The NBA announced on Wednesday that it has fined the Dallas Mavericks $50,000 for "violating league rules regarding team bench decorum."
The league cited Mavericks players and coaching staff for violations during Sunday's 123-90 Game 7 victory over the Phoenix Suns that clinched a spot in the Western Conference finals. The fine is the second such for the Mavericks this postseason after the NBA issued a $25,000 fine following Game 2 against the Suns. The fine is doubled this time because of the previous infraction.
"On multiple occasions, several players and member of the coaching staff stood for an extended period in the Mavericks' team bench area, stood away from the team bench, and were on or encroaching upon the playing court during game action," the NBA's statement reads.
The statement did not name names.
Head coach Jason Kidd criticized the the NBA after the first fine, telling reporters that "the league is worried about the wrong thing."
“I didn’t know we got fined, but that’s cool,” Kidd told reporters on May 6. "You know, the league is worried about the wrong thing. You have millionaires cheering on other millionaires. Doesn’t happen in this society. And the enthusiasm of the game, for a teammate to cheer on another teammate, is special.”
Kidd also noted that the fine is "going to a good cause, charity."
It doesn't sound like the fine's much of a deterrent for Kidd. It's likely not much of a concern for team owner Mark Cuban, who's probably more than happy to cut five-figure checks while his Mavericks continue to advance — and celebrate — through the NBA playoffs.
