DALLAS — The Mavericks were fined $100,000 for “continuing to violate league rules regarding team bench decorum,” the NBA announced Sunday.

It is the third time the Mavericks have been fined for bench-decorum violations this postseason. The fines have totaled $175,000, doubling on each occasion.

The statement from the league office cites multiple occasions in the Mavs’ Game 2 loss to the Golden State Warriors that “several players and a member of the coaching staff stood for an extended period in the Mavericks’ team bench area, stood away from the team bench, and were on or encroaching upon the playing court during game action.”

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The Mavs were assessed fines for similar infractions after a Game 2 loss and a Game 7 win against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals. The Mavs made it clear at the time that they had no intention of toning down the enthusiasm from two-way player Theo Pinson, injured guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and the rest of the bench.

“The league is worried about the wrong thing,” Kidd said after the first fine was assessed. “You have millionaires cheering on other millionaires. Doesn’t happen in this society. And the enthusiasm of the game, for a teammate to cheer on another teammate is special. And I think sometimes we’re focused on the wrong thing. And so when you look at people who make a lot of money cheering on their teammates or their employees, that’s what sport is all about. And so for us to get fined, that’s cool. It’s going to another good cause, charity. But again, we’re looking at the wrong thing.”

On one occasion in Game 2, the Mavs’ reserves being on their feet impacted the game. The Warriors committed a turnover when Stephen Curry mistakenly passed the ball to Pinson, who was standing and wearing a shirt that was white, the same color as Golden State’s uniform.

“I don’t mind as long as it doesn’t interfere with the game,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said on Saturday. “I don’t mind it. I love the fact that Dallas’ bench is energetic and talking trash 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 interferes with the game, that’s when it crosses the line.

“So that’s the only thing I’m concerned with, if there is a play that … if there’s a person on the court, person who is standing up calling for the ball, that’s a little too much. But otherwise, I really enjoy it. I think it’s great.”

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Chicago Bears fans are usually all over the map with their opinions. One thing, above all else though, is true: they’re typically passionate and convicted opinions.

Whether it was about good Jay or bad Jay (Cutler), Rex Grossman being the reason the Bears lost their Super Bowl 15 years ago or even recently with Mitchell Trubisky’s development, the takes and opinions are always up for debate amongst Bears nation.

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Now that the Chicago Bulls are into full-on offseason mode, so are the fans. The biggest question regarding this team’s immediate future?

Zach LaVine and his impending free agency tour.

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Just as it was four years ago, this is the summer of Zach LaVine for the Chicago Bulls. Except, four years ago, LaVine was no where the level of star he is now.

Going into this offseason, LaVine is now set to enter unrestricted free agency. Back in 2018, he was a restricted free agent. Thus, when he received an offer from the Sacramento Kings, the Bulls were able to match it, keeping him in Chicago.

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The Chicago White Sox have a lot of talent on that baseball field. Unfortunately, they don’t have any chance to win something of significance as long as Tony La Russa is their manager. He is slowly but surely killing this team.

They are currently in the middle of a series with the New York Yankees who could claim that they are the best team in Major League Baseball right now. That is a team that makes their lineups the right way no matter what.

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A heated afternoon on the field continued off it afterward, with Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson taking offense to being called “Jackie” by the New York Yankees‘ Josh Donaldson, a comment deemed “racist” by manager Tony La Russa.

Donaldson admitted after the game to calling Anderson “Jackie” — a nod to Jackie Robinson — in the first inning. He apologized, saying he meant no disrespect. However, Anderson, who is Black, said after the game that he took offense to the comment.

“He just made a disrespectful comment,” Anderson said. “Basically he was trying to call me Jackie Robinson. ‘What’s up, Jackie?’ I don’t play like that. I don’t really play at all. I wasn’t really going to bother nobody today, but he made the comment and you know it was disrespectful and I don’t think it was called for. It was unnecessary.”

Donaldson, who is white, said the “Jackie” comment was in reference to a 2019 interview with Sports Illustrated in which Anderson described himself as feeling like “today’s Jackie Robinson” in how he’s “getting to a point where I need to change the game.”

Donaldson on Saturday said it was a reference about which he’s “joked around” with Anderson about it in the past.

Major League Baseball is looking into the matter and speaking to all of the relevant parties involved, a source told ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.

Robinson broke the Major League Baseball color barrier in 1947. Every team in the big leagues has retired his No. 42 to honor the struggle, sacrifice and social impact he had on the game and beyond.

White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson is restrained by teammate Jose Abreu from going after the Yankees’ Josh Donaldson on Saturday. Sarah Stier/Getty Images

In the third inning, Donaldson had rounded second base after the final out and began jawing with Anderson as the teams came off the field. Donaldson, a former AL MVP in his first season with the Yankees, was escorted off the field by manager Aaron Boone, and Anderson, an All-Star shortstop, was led off by third-base coach Joe McEwing.

“He made a racist comment, Donaldson, and that’s all I’m going to say. That’s as strong as it gets,” La Russa said.

Asked if he agreed with La Russa, Anderson said, “Same. Same. Along that same line.”

Donaldson, who said he told his side of the story to his Yankees teammates, told reporters that he would be open to meeting with Anderson to discuss the incident.

“My meaning of that is not any term trying to be racist by any fact of the matter,” Donaldson said. “Obviously, he deemed it disrespectful. And look, if he did, I apologize. That’s not what I was trying to do by any manner and that’s what happened.”

The Yankees and White Sox had the benches clear May 13 in Chicago when Anderson objected to a hard tag by Donaldson.

Donaldson said Saturday that he was “trying to defuse” any lingering tension when the players crossed paths early in the game.

In the fifth inning of the Saturday game, White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal stood up from his crouch and began jawing at Donaldson as he approached the plate. The barking continued as relievers ran in from the bullpens and the benches emptied, with La Russa also yelling at Donaldson.

“Believe me, you don’t want me to tell you guys what I told him,” Grandal said to reporters.

Anderson continued to shout at Donaldson while being restrained by Jose Abreu and infielder Gavin Sheets. After a few minutes, umpires issued warnings to both sides and Donaldson struck out.

“This game went through a period in time where a lot of those comments were meant, and I think we’re way past that,” Grandal said after the game. “And it’s just unacceptable. I just thought it was a low blow and I want to make sure I’ve got my team’s back. There’s no way that you’re allowed to say something like that.”

Said Boone of the incident: “I know … some talk of that. I’ve got to get to the bottom of it.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Pregame fashion has become woven into the fabric of the NBA, with some players building a reputation for their wardrobe selections.

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The postseason has provided entertaining hoops on the court and eye-catching fits from players off it. Stars have shown up in various attire like boxing robes, vibrant coats and sweaters. Suits, stuffed animal accessories and luxury fashion brands also have made appearances on the pregame runway during these playoffs.

Here’s a round-by-round look at some of the more stylish clothing worn by NBA players this postseason:

Conference Finals

Jordan Poole, Golden State Warriors, Game 2

Poole has had a breakout year, earning him the nickname “Poole Party” to complement Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson‘s Splash Bros. moniker. Ahead of Game 2 against the Mavericks, he donned a Poole Party graphic t-shirt along with some camouflage pants.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Game 2

Tatum’s look ahead of his matchup with the Miami Heat Thursday featured a star-patterned jacket-pants combination and neckwear with a shiny pendant.

Conference semifinals

Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Game 6

Ahead of a potential series-clinching Game 6 against the Sixers, Butler rocked a tracksuit with the logo of his coffee brand, BigFace, pictured on the back. The bucket hat was a nice addition to the all-black fit.

Steven Adams and Tyus Jones, Memphis Grizzlies, Game 5

Before Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors, Adams and Jones went extremely casual with some old-school Grizzlies looks.

Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 5

Ahead of Game 5 against the Dallas Mavericks, Paul wore a shirt with Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February, pictured on it. The Suns also showed their support for Griner with decals on the court.

Theo Pinson, Dallas Mavericks, Game 3

Sometimes, basketball and football worlds overlap, and such was the case when Pinson showed love to his alma mater, arriving with a North Carolina Tar Heels letterman jacket and matching helmet.

@dallasmavs/twitter

Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 3

The 17-season veteran decided to don an all-leather fit on his 37th birthday.

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, Game 2

Black was the color of choice for the NBA’s all-time 3-point leader heading into Tuesday’s game, with his coat looking extra roomy.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Game 2

Tatum arrived at TD Garden on Tuesday sporting a jacket with numerous college logos. One of the featured decals is his alma mater, the Duke Blue Devils. Some other team emblems stitched on the piece include the Kentucky Wildcats, UConn Huskies, UCLA Bruins and Georgetown Hoyas.

Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

Round 1

Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies, Game 6

Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. arrived before the series-clinching Game 6 against Minnesota wearing a multicolored Versace sweater and blue Air Jordan 1s.

After the game, Grizzlies teammate Dillon Brooks pitted his outfit against Jackson’s.

“First off, before you guys start, who has the better fit: me or Trip [Jackson]?” Brooks said.

Jackson’s fit didn’t win over Brooks, per the reporters. The 22-year-old didn’t seem bothered by the outcome.

“That’s because I’m experimental … I push boundaries,” Jackson said.

DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Game 5

Ahead of the Bulls’ win-or-go-home contest against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, DeRozan honored Illinois music artist Juice WRLD with his outfit. The Chicago guard wore a Juice WRLD Galaxy Hoodie made by fashion company Vlone. Juice WRLD, whose real name is Jarad Higgins, died of a drug overdose in December 2019.

Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets, Game 3

Simmons’ look Saturday courtside against the Boston Celtics contrasted the Nets’ black and white uniforms perfectly.

Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Game 3

Ahead of Friday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, Paul put together an impressive suit combination. Quite the color choice.

Serge Ibaka, Milwaukee Bucks, Game 3

Ibaka has been an NBA fashion guru during his 14-year career, especially with his striking scarves during his days with the Toronto Raptors. His eccentric fashion made another appearance heading into Game 3 against the Chicago Bulls. The casual fit featured a brim hat, cardigan and a handbag.

Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics, Game 2

Smart won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award Monday, the first time a point guard has secured the honor since Gary Payton during the 1995-96 season. Given it is Smart’s first time winning DPOY, he donned a special robe that signified his accomplishment entering Game 2 against the Brooklyn Nets.

James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Game 1

Harden is no stranger to luxury couture. Last year, he was seen at Paris Fashion Week and was named to the board of Saks Fifth Avenue.

Ahead of his playoff debut with the Sixers, he sported the Louis Vuitton Blue & White “Puppet” Varsity Jacket. The colorful crocheted stuffed figures pinned on the coat really make the jacket stand out.

Maxey wore No. 3 before being drafted by Philly, but since that number is retired in honor of Allen Iverson, he had a decision to make.

“All my life, I’ve worn 3. Couldn’t get that one here,” said the first-round pick.

He paid tribute to the Sixers legend by wearing an Iverson jersey that featured several photos of the Basketball Hall of Famer.

It ended up being a fitting outfit choice. Maxey’s 38 points in Game 1 were the most in a playoff opener by a 76ers player since A.I. in 2003.

Jordan Clarkson and Bojan Bogdanovic, Utah Jazz, Game 1

Some players have an adventurous take on fashion, while others opt for the classic suit and tie look. With a little personalization, these Jazz stars had no issues rocking the tried-and-true combination.

Clarkson donned a white Midnight Studios button-up shirt with a black tie and slacks, with the leather harness adding a modern spin on an old classic.

Bogdanovic chose a more traditional route with his all-black ensemble and a pocket square that provided a splash of color.

Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors, Game 1

After missing a month with a foot injury, Curry returned to the Warriors’ lineup on April 16 against the Denver Nuggets. The coat he wore in his first game back took vibrancy to a new level.

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The Chicago White Sox lost the game to the New York Yankees on Saturday but they might have sparked themselves. Tim Anderson has been a lightning rod for this team for a long time now and he might have done it again.

Of course, everyone remembers how weird Josh Donaldson acted in 2021 as a member of the Minnesota Twins. He had some strange comments about Lucas Giolito and sticky stuff which probably didn’t go over very well with most of his pitchers either as everyone was using it.

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The Chicago Blackhawks and Duncan Keith had a lot of great times together. Stanley Cups, Conn Smyth Trophies, and Norris Trophies will always highlight him during his time in the Windy City. He is the greatest defenseman in the history of the Chicago Blackhawks franchise and it’s not close.

Unfortunately, the business of the game forced Keith to finish his career outside of the place where he made so many memories and was a part of so many great moments. The Blackhawks traded him to the Edmonton Oilers last offseason.

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