MIAMI — A day later, NBA commissioner David Stern wasn’t backing down: Coaches, he said, need to “comply with the rules.” This part was unspoken: Or else.
Stern, speaking before Friday night’s Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series between Boston and Miami, reiterated what he said Thursday in Oklahoma City — that criticism by coaches of league policies or referees sends “very bad messaging” to the league’s fans and needs to come to a quick halt.
Not even $35,000 fines seem to be doing the trick.
“Coaches are under a lot of pressure, and I grew up trying to respect that pressure,” Stern said. “I used to just say, ‘It’s the playoffs.’ “
Now, there’s no excuse. At least, none he will tolerate.
In a one-week window ending Thursday, Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace, Magic forward Matt Barnes, Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy and Lakers coach Phil Jackson all were fined for comments, mostly about foul calls. Van Gundy even likened the gaps in the schedule of first-round games to what high school or college teams typically would experience.
“When you start throwing one- and two-game suspensions in the threats, I think that means a lot to both ballclubs and to coaches,” Jackson said. “It seems awful heavy-handed to me, but David is one, he isn’t shy about being heavy-handed.”
Celtics coach Doc Rivers joked with reporters that he couldn’t talk about Stern’s stance. After that, he had plenty to say.
“Sometimes we really are defending our guys,” Rivers said. “I think everybody’s on the league side at the end of the day. Listen, I’ve been a league guy for 20-whatever years, I love this league and I want this league to do well. I don’t think any coach doesn’t want the league to do well. Having said that, the coach’s job is to do what he can to help the team win. Correct?”
Stern’s response: “It’s a coach’s job to comply with the rules.”
He had particularly pointed comments for Van Gundy’s stance on the schedule.
“My response is that he’s speaking like he’s in high school,” Stern said. “He should grow up. We’ve got a business here that feeds a lot of people who make a fair living at it, engages America. And I’m really very tired of hearing coaches who think that because they have a postgame platform that anything that comes into their minds is a good thing to say.”
For his part, Van Gundy can find the humor in his penchant for getting fined.
“You’d think you’d learn. Like the kid who sticks his hand on the stove and gets burnt, usually he doesn’t do it again,” Van Gundy said. “I guess I’m not as sharp as most 3-year-olds.”
Lewis nursing sore ankle
ORLANDO, Fla. — Magic forward Rashard Lewis has a sprained left ankle but said he should be fine for today’s Game 3 against Charlotte.
Lewis had a wrap around the ankle after practicing. He said he came down sideways on the ankle in Game 2 against the Bobcats. Lewis stayed in the game and didn’t show any effects from the injury. He will remain in the starting lineup.
Talks reach impasse
NEW ORLEANS — Hornets sale talks between George Shinn and minority owner Gary Chouest have reached an “impasse,” and Shinn now wants to speak with other suitors.
Shinn’s preference is to deal only with investors who want to keep the Hornets in New Orleans. Shinn, who underwent recent treatment for prostate cancer, has said he wants to focus more on his charity work, his faith and write a book.
The Associated Press
