Steve Kerr addresses Maverick’s bench players who come too close to the pitch

The NBA has tried to send two messages to the Dallas Mavericks during the 2022 NBA Finals about the “decorum” of their players not currently in a game: Stop standing off the bench and stop penetrating the court.

These messages have come in the form of two separate fines, one for $ 25,000 on May 6th after their Game 2 loss to the Phoenix Suns and the other to $ 50,000 on May 18 after Dallas’ game 7 win over the Suns.

It seems that the Mavericks are not listening to these warnings, as the problem seems to reappear in the Western Conference final against the Warriors.

During the Warriors’ Game 2 victory Friday night at the Chase Center, there were a few instances where Mavericks players could have stood too close to the field.

During the second half, Steph Curry tried to make a pass into the corner, but threw it in the direction of injured Mavericks player Tim Hardaway Jr., who was wearing a white shirt. It is conceivable that Curry thought Hardaway was a teammate in a white jersey.

Later, Jordan Poole attempted a 3-pointer in front of the Mavericks bench and almost landed on the feet of players standing on the sidelines.

Then there is Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who made himself a part of the team bench and was a few inches off the field during Game 2.

As the playoffs in the second round shifted to Dallas for Game 3 on Sunday, Warriors coach Steve Kerr was asked about the topic Saturday.

“I do not mind as long as it does not interfere with the game,” Kerr told reporters on a video conference call. “I do not mind it. I love the fact that Dallas’ bench is energetic and talking rubbish and into it. I think that’s what fans want to see. They want to see a team that cares. , and they want to see energy and chemistry So I love it, but when it disrupts the game, it’s when it crosses the line.

“So I think that’s the only thing I care about, if there’s a game that … if there’s someone on the court, someone who stands up and calls for the ball, then it’s a little too much. But otherwise, I really enjoy it. I think it’s great. “

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Cuban typically does not worry that the NBA will fine him or his team, so he is unlikely to be bothered if the league gives the Mavericks a third fine during the conference finals.

If this becomes an issue during the next two games at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, the league may need to sharpen their penalty.

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