Nelson gets to the point
Stern levies $25,000 penalty on Cavalier
LOS ANGELES - Probably the lone bright spot for the Magic in Game 1 of the NBA Finals last night was the return of Jameer Nelson.
Nelson had been out since Feb. 2 after having surgery on his right shoulder and was expected to be out for the duration. The All-Star point guard entered the game in the second quarter and finished with 6 points on 3-of-9 shooting, with four assists in 23 minutes.
"[Nelson] played well in the second quarter," Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy said after the Lakers' 100-75 victory. "I was happy. I thought he was getting in the paint on his pick and rolls. He had four assists. I thought he was making really good plays. And in the second half I didn't think he was very good at all."
Orlando starting point guard Rafer Alston had 6 points on 2-of-9 shooting and one assist in 25 minutes. Reserve point guard Anthony Johnson did not play.
"I thought [Nelson] had an effect on the ballgame," said Lakers coach Phil Jackson. "I think he came in, he was effective in penetration and finding guys. It looked like he was back in the format of what he wanted to get accomplished. Obviously, his shooting wasn't quite there, although he hit a couple of shots. But we anticipate he will be out there more."
Stern said last night that James was fined $25,000 for not speaking to the media after the Cavaliers were eliminated from the playoffs by Orlando in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. During a telephone conversation Wednesday, Stern said the NBA's Most Valuable Player apologized for not speaking to the media after the game and for not shaking hands with the Magic. James had caused a stir the day after Game 6 when he said he didn't shake hands because he was a winner.
"He expressed to me that when he left the building and did not meet the media and didn't congratulate the Magic, he was wrong," said Stern, during his annual news conference prior to Game 1 of the Finals. "He'll be talking to you, I assume, directly as he gets better and stronger [after recent jaw surgery]. But he asked that I express to the media, the Magic, and the fans his apology, and particularly the young fans, because he knows he has a responsibility to all of our fans that sportsmanship is appropriate whether you win or whether you lose. He understands why it was necessary for me to fine him $25,000 for missing the media availability."
Stern also said that because of the economic situation, league revenues will be down "maybe as much as 10 percent" next season. He said that while some WNBA teams will earn revenue with advertising on their uniforms this upcoming season, the NBA had no plans of doing that. On upcoming labor talks with the players union, Stern said: "There is a lot at stake and I'm optimistic."
"I wanted to see the game in the mind frame that I'm in right now," said the free agent guard, via e-mail. "I came to Boston because I wanted to be on this stage. Being that it didn't happen I wanted to see it for myself by watching the best two teams go head-to-head.
"I begin my workouts on the 15th [of June] full throttle until we start [training camp]. Seeing the Finals in this frame of mind is the best because there is something to push for next year."
