The Dallas Mavericks were fined $100,000 hours before their crucial game 3 against the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center for “continuing to violate league rules regarding team bench decorum.” according to the league.
“On several occasions, several players and a member of the coaching staff stood in the area of the Mavericks’ team bench for an extended period of time, stood away from the team bench, and were on or in the field during the game in Dallas ‘126-117 loss to the Golden State Warriors,” the NBA said in a press release.
Missing from that admonition was Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who was extremely close to court during the game:
No exaggeration: Mark Cuban is inches off the ground pic.twitter.com/Cis5z0xPU3
— David Gardner (@byDavidGardner) May 21, 2022
But Cuban not only dismissed the fine, he also used it as an opportunity to whine about officers’ often-criticized treatment of dubs Big Man Draymond Green.
“Our bank is out of control!” The Cuban sarcastically tweeted with an attached video of Green yelling at officials in the third quarter of the Warriors’ win on Friday.
Our bank is out of control! https://t.co/InNJPhDKuK
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) May 22, 2022
Cuban has been one of the most annoying owners in the sport for years, whether it’s constantly criticizing referees (for which he’s been fined more than $1.5 million), launching “boo campaigns” targeting former players, who returned to play against Dallas, or Kenyon Martin told mom her son was a hitter. But his Sunday critique wasn’t all that wrong, to be honest: Green’s tirade probably should have resulted in his second technical and a sack.
It ultimately didn’t matter as Green had a very memorable Game 2. But in each of his first three series, fans have frequently, and rightly, pointed out the inconsistent administration of the Warriors’ extremely vocal defensive ground leader.
Will it affect how Green is managed on Sunday night? We’ll find out when Golden State travels to Dallas at 6:00 p.m. PT at the American Airlines Center to take on the Mavericks.