None of the devastating disappointment, however, merited Dallas' post-game reaction. Nowitzki kicking a stationary bike and some TV lighting equipment is one thing, but the jerky actions of coach Avery Johnson and owner Mark Cuban were downright embarrassing. Asked if it was the worst loss of Cuban's life, the owner responded with, "Ask me a real fucking question." Nice. But his coach went even deeper and darker in an exchange with jovial Dallas Morning News beat writer Eddie Sefko:
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Sefko: What was your impression of Dwyane Wade's drive in the final seconds?
Johnson: Um, you tell me. What were your impressions?
Sefko: Nobody cares what I think.
Johnson: No, you tell us.
Sefko: OK, my impression was he got free throws.
Johnson: No, that's the political answer. I ask you again, what was your impression?
Sefko: (Silence.)
Johnson: We're waiting.
Sefko: (Silence.)
Johnson: C'mon, give us your honest answer. We've got people all over wanting to hear it. From Israel, Minnesota, Chicago, Dallas...Germany.
Sefko: I'm done. I'll follow up with another question.
Johnson: OK. Don't stutter.
Mayne now you realize why Shaquille O'Neal and the Heat gladly paid the $35,000 in fines for not talking to the media after Game 2: because they might have said something they'd regret the rest of their careers. It's still not to late for the Mavs to win the championship. But it is too late for them to win it with class. --Richie Whitt