Game 3 of Dallas-Denver ended not just with controversy, but also some angry midcourt action involving Mark Cuban, Josh Howard, Kenyon Martin, Kenyon Martin's mom, Mark Wunderlich, a local cameraman, a local photographer, security guards and other entourage. Above, you'll see Howard angrily yelling at Wunderlich, the referee in best position to call the intentional foul on Antoine Wright. You'll also see Cuban shove a news cameraman.
Martin probably shouldn't have been in the scuffle, considering the Dallas crowd was hostile. The rule of thumb in these instances for visiting players: get the heck off the floor ASAP. Chauncey Billups had to stick around to chat with Nancy Lieberman, but he had guards. Martin should have left the floor with his teammates.
Martin told media he stayed to play peacemaker (insert maniacal laughter). Cuban, already enraged by the game's finish, didn't appreciate Martin's presence. So what did he do? Well, he tattled on Kenyon, of course. From Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post:
Mark Cuban had a brief but heated confrontation with Lydia Moore, the mother of Denver's Kenyon Martin, who was seated near the tunnel that leads to the Mavs' locker room. Cuban said Sunday by e-mail that when he walked off the court, a fan was screaming about the Nuggets being "thugs," so Cuban said to Martin's mother: "That includes your son."
According to Martin's agent, Brian Dyke, Cuban spotted Moore amid numerous Nuggets fans and said, unprovoked, "Your son is a punk."
Latest NBA Playoff Photos
ORLANDO - MAY 10: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics rebounds against the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 10, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rajon Rondo
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ORLANDO - MAY 10: Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics shoots against Dwight Howard #12 and Rashard Lewis #9 of the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 10, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ray Allen;Dwight Howard;Rashard Lewis
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ORLANDO - MAY 10: Kendrick Perkins #43 of the Boston Celtics shoots against Rashard Lewis #9 of the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 10, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kendrick Perkins;Rashard Lewis
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ORLANDO - MAY 10: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic takes the ball to the basket against Kendrick Perkins #43 of the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 10, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dwight Howard;Kendrick Perkins
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ORLANDO - MAY 10: Kendrick Perkins #43 of the Boston Celtics shoots against Rashard Lewis #9 of the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 10, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kendrick Perkins;Rashard Lewis
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ORLANDO - MAY 10: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics tracks a rebound against the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 10, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rajon Rondo
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ORLANDO - MAY 10: Glen Davis #11 of the Boston Celtics is defended on his drive to the basket by Tony Battie #4 of the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 10, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Glen Davis;Tony Battie
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ORLANDO - MAY 10: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics rebounds against the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 10, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rajon Rondo
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ORLANDO - MAY 10: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics reaches for the ball after stripping Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 10, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rajon Rondo;Dwight Howard
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ORLANDO - MAY 10: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic rebounds against the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May 10, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dwight Howard
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I tend to appreciate Cuban's passion for the most part. But shoving the cameraman's arm (Cuban said he only "moved the camera out of his way" -- riiiiight) and calling the Nuggets "thugs" -- with all the connotations that term has, and given all the NBA's problematic image troubles ... well, this is all very, very bush and very, very immature. Cuban only reinforced his reputation as a petulant, immature lout on Saturday. A shame, considering how classily his coach and top players responded. (Note: it wasn't by pushing people around or namecalling.)
On Sunday afternoon, NBA spokesman Tim Frank said the league was investigating the post-game incidents. Based on reports that Howard broke a photographer's lens, and given the video evidence of Cuban's hissy fit, I assume some sort of financial sanctions will come down from Secaucus.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
5-11-2009 @ 9:32AM
MenoRikey said...
Doesn't Cuban have any better to do than attend EVERY single Maverick's game? Guess that's what happens when you get rich being lucky and have no real skills.
Reply
5-18-2009 @ 10:44AM
HI CMA MAN said...
He wasn;'t lucky, he lived the American Dream, as you should. Stop being jealous of Cuban. Jusgt beacuse YOU have made nothing of your life, doesn;t mean, that Cuban can't go to every single game of the team that he OWNS. LMAO
5-11-2009 @ 12:37PM
spikeritz said...
The big punk here is Mark Cuban. Hey Mark if you can't stand the heat stay out of the kitchen. We in Denver love to see you mad and out of the play offs. Get a life you jerk!
Reply
5-11-2009 @ 12:42PM
papam11 said...
Hey, Cuban was being "kind".
Reply
5-11-2009 @ 12:47PM
Quinn said...
THE NBA IS NOTHING BUT A FRIGGIN POPULARITY CONTEST THESE DAYS. I'LL BET YOU DOLLARS TO DONUTS THAT WE HAVE A CLEAVLAND VS LAKERS FINALS AND THAT COULD BE PREDICTED BACK IN FEBRUARY...............CAN YOU SAY THE FIX IS IN.......... ITS A GLORIFIED WWF!!!
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5-11-2009 @ 12:54PM
cat1bb1 said...
MenoRikey::: Are you stupid, he pays MILLIONS of dollars and owns the team and you ask doesn't he have anything better to do than go to every game... don't you have anything better to do than post on blogs??? Owners attend games!!
Cuban is admittedly very passionately. He also at that point saw his team get ripped off! Only to be told a few hours later the refs made a BIG MISTAKE... OOPS. Martin should have went straight into the locker room and not waited around to rub it in their faces. You have to expect what you get then!
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5-11-2009 @ 4:42PM
remerson69 said...
cry me a river. Cuban will help
5-11-2009 @ 1:51PM
Sandy and Sue said...
Whatever happened to good sportsmanship? I do not attend sporting events because the athletes and the fans act like hoodlums.
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5-11-2009 @ 1:52PM
countflock said...
First of all, Cuban is the punk and a moron. The NBA should fine and suspend Mr. Cuban for the balance of the playoffs. This is not the first time Cuban has blown up after the end of a game. To say what he did to another players mother shows that Cuban is less than a sorry excuse for a human being. Mr. Cuban, your money does not give you carte blanc to do whatever you want to do – even in your own arena.
As for the last non-call costing Dallas the game, I have the following questions/comments:
1. Did Dallas miss more than two free throws or one field goal attempts? They did. If they had made these shots, they would have won the game and they wouldn’t be whinning about the refs.
2. Were there any bad calls against the Nuggets that cost them some points? Of course there were bad (non)calls both ways. They tend to even out during the course of a game.
3. Assuming the ref called the foul, the Nuggets would still have had the ball and one or two seconds to make a shot. What is to say that the Nuggets wouldn’t have scored anyway? That is a strong possibility, as Dallas isn’t exactly a juggernaut on the defensive side of the ball.
Bottom line, There were many reasons the Mavs lost. Blaming a loss entirely on the officiating crew is what a loser does. Winners forget about the officiating, go back to the drawing board and try to find a way to win the next game.
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5-11-2009 @ 1:55PM
joaquin said...
The Mavs were robbed. They should play the last few seconds over with the foul called. See if the Nuggets win that way.
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5-11-2009 @ 2:15PM
King Murphy said...
Cuban rocks! He loves his players and team enough to go to bat for them in heated situation. Let the guy enjoy life.
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5-11-2009 @ 2:18PM
JOHNNY said...
The Mavs were robbed. I'm not a Cuban fan at all!I hate when officials screw up the game! NBA needs to fine them.Maybe when they get a hit to the wallet they'll start officiating right!Cuban had every right to be pissed! This is the playoffs. That was huge!
Reply
5-11-2009 @ 2:23PM
joehdmngr said...
The mavs had 59.8 minutes to win. how long do they need???
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5-11-2009 @ 2:30PM
Dvdfrnzwbr said...
Play to the whistle dumb asses.
Reply
5-11-2009 @ 2:31PM
Dvdfrnzwbr said...
This is all just cheap dinner theater. LeBron is going to clean HOUSE!
Reply
5-11-2009 @ 2:47PM
LovelyRos said...
Dvdfrnzwbr Said: "This is all just cheap dinner theater. LeBron is going to clean HOUSE!
**************
As Tyler Perry's Madea would say - HAL-LOO-YER! LOL!
And for those going on about the little boys throwing tantrums - WHAT DO YOU EXPECT? They're worst than "Bad Girls Gone Wild." Enjoy the spectacle!
5-11-2009 @ 2:35PM
Kai2Sweet said...
What type of world do we live in where grown men talk shit to other grown mens mothers instead of to the man he's mad at i have no problem with what cuban said freedom of speech is one thing but screaming disprespectful things to someones mom is another he should have said that to the player and walked right past his mom also wtf kinda man throws a big pussyfied tantrum like a rich lil brat get over yourself
Reply
5-11-2009 @ 3:37PM
Debbie Cruz said...
I agree with everything Kai2Sweet said.....what kind of man is he....he's not a man, he's a punk...he couldn't play with the big boys if he tried.....Mark Cuban has too much ego and I don't know why....he's pathetic....can't stand him!!!
5-11-2009 @ 2:36PM
obamaizadope said...
Where's Kermit Washington when you need him? Somebody cold cock Cuban, please!!
Reply
5-11-2009 @ 2:41PM
Jonathan said...
All of you have legit points. It was a bad non-call but the player was really to laid back with the foul attempt.
1. Kenyon should have just went to the locker room.
2. Cuban should not have made those kind of remarks to Kenyon's mom.
3. Question. If players have to dress up (suit jacket and dress pants)for an NBA game if they are on the bench, then why doesn't the owners? Cuban's dress is far less than professional. I don't mind a standard for the players but shouldn't it start at the top all the way down and not from the bottom up?
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