Miami – When the San Antonio Spurs won their first title in 1999, coach Gregg Popovich warned his team about the allure of New York City during the NBA Finals. Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson heard that speech and delivered the same one to his team before coming to Miami.
“We did the same thing here,” Johnson said Tuesday before Game 3 of the Finals. “That was pretty much my opening statement to the team, and just to know how to manage the distractions. This is a big stage right now, and you’ll have time. …
“But we’re here for business. Overall, I like our business approach to the Finals. And we’ve managed ourselves pretty good on the road throughout the year.”
Mavericks guard Jerry Stackhouse said his teammates will enjoy Miami but won’t overdo it.
“Don’t get me wrong, we’ve got some young guys that like to party now,” Stackhouse said. “What NBA team doesn’t? But for the most part, we have a bunch of vets like ourselves that make our way home and try to be ready.
“Guys are going to go out. Guys are going to have fun, especially in a city like this. But for the most part, we know what we have to do. If we handle our business, there will be plenty of opportunities to do other stuff.”
O’Neal fine with fines
Miami center Shaquille O’Neal understood the fines levied against him and the Heat after he declined to talk to the media following a Game 2 loss Sunday. O’Neal, who had just five points, was fined $10,000, and the Heat was fined $25,000.
“I didn’t deserve to talk, so I took the fine,” O’Neal said after Tuesday’s 98-96 win. “You know, it was just one of those games that (I) took it on myself, so I came home, did some thinking and played with the children and was really, really wanting to play well this game.”
O’Neal came back and had 16 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocked shots Tuesday.
Camp Armstrong
The Darrell Armstrong Basketball Camp is going on this week in Orlando, Fla. But it’s hard for Armstrong and teammate and fellow camp counselor Marquis Daniels to be there since they are playing for Dallas in the NBA Finals. Armstrong said he was going to try to make an appearance at the camp today or Friday.
“With my basketball camps, I always try to be there for the kids,” said Armstrong, who used to play for the Magic. “I’m going to try to sneak down there and say hello to them.”
