League organisers have agreed to paint NBA courts with the words "Black Lives Matter" when the basketball season resumes next month in Florida, US media reports said.

NBA stars have been prominent supporters of the anti-racism protests that swept across the United States following the death in May of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in police custody.

The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association are planning to paint the slogan inside the sidelines of all three arenas at Disney World in Orlando, ESPN reported Monday.

USA Today said the slogans would be painted on two sides of each court -- in front of the scorer's table and the broadcast booth.

The NBA is planning to go ahead with its restart plans for the coronavirus-delayed 2019-20 campaign on July 30.

League commissioner Adam Silver said last week that the goal of the NBA restart will be to promote social justice and combat systemic racism.

On Sunday ESPN reported that NBA players could also be allowed to wear jerseys bearing slogans supporting social justice causes or charities instead of their names when the league resumes.

Players are due to travel to Florida for training camp in early July, and the teams will play games without fans in a "bubble" designed to shield players and team staff from the outside world.

But some NBA players have expressed concern about being quarantined for the return at a time of major social change for the black community in the US.

League organisers have agreed to paint NBA courts with the words "Black Lives Matter" when the basketball season resumes next month in Florida, US media reports said.

League organisers have agreed to paint NBA courts with the words "Black Lives Matter" when the basketball season resumes next month in Florida, US media reports said. NBA stars have been prominent supporters of the anti-racism protests that swept across the United States following the death in May of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in police custody. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association are planning to paint the slogan inside the sidelines of all three arenas at Disney World in Orlando, ESPN reported Monday. USA Today said the slogans would be painted on two sides of each court -- in front of the scorer's table and the broadcast booth. The NBA is planning to go ahead with its restart plans for the coronavirus-delayed 2019-20 campaign on July 30. League commissioner Adam Silver said last week that the goal of the NBA restart will be to promote social justice and combat systemic racism. On Sunday ESPN reported that NBA players could also be allowed to wear jerseys bearing slogans supporting social justice causes or charities instead of their names when the league resumes. Players are due to travel to Florida for training camp in early July, and the teams will play games without fans in a "bubble" designed to shield players and team staff from the outside world. But some NBA players have expressed concern about being quarantined for the return at a time of major social change for the black community in the US.

'Black Lives Matter' to be painted on NBA courts: reports

The NBA's board of governors approved a return-to-play plan on Thursday, paving the way for the league to resume in Florida following a three-month coronavirus shutdown.

The NBA said a proposal put to the league's board that will see 22 teams based at a single location had passed comfortably.

"We are in the equivalent of the first inning. We've got a long ways to go here," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told American cable station TNT on Thursday night. "We have always been looking for a safe way to resume, knowing we are going to be living with this virus for a while."

Twenty-nine teams voted in favor of the return-to-play plan, with Portland the lone vote against, according to reports.

Under the NBA's proposals, the league would resume on July 31 with 22 teams based at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando to minimize the threat of COVID-19. Games will be played without spectators.

Playoffs would take place in August, with the NBA Finals set to be completed by October 12.&nbsp;

The league has also penciled in a provisional December 1 start date for the 2020-2021 season.

"The Board's approval of the restart format is a necessary step toward resuming the NBA season," Silver said.

"While the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we are hopeful of finishing the season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being finalized with public health officials and medical experts."

The NBA Players Association must sign off on the restart plan for it to take effect. The NBAPA is expected to vote on the plan during a conference call set for Friday.

Silver said there are still some complex issues to be decided, including how to ensure the safety of some of their older coaches. He indicated that "certain coaches" may not be on the bench at all. San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is 71, and New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry is 65.

Silver meanwhile referred to the protests that have erupted across the United States since the death of an unarmed black man in police custody in Minneapolis last week.

"We also recognize that as we prepare to resume play, our society is reeling from recent tragedies of racial violence and injustice, and we will continue to work closely with our teams and players to use our collective resources and influence to address these issues in very real and concrete ways," Silver said.

<h2>- Quarantine, testing -</h2>

The NBA suspended its season on March 11 as the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, leaving professional sport in North America at a standstill.

Sixteen teams occupying the playoff berths in the Western and Eastern Conferences will be joined by six more teams to determine the final playoff line-up.

Nine teams from the Eastern Conference will be led by the Milwaukee Bucks and the reigning NBA champion Toronto Raptors.&nbsp;

The Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards complete the contingent from the East.

The Western Conference will provide 13 teams, including LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers.&nbsp;

Each of the 22 teams will play eight regular-season games for seeding purposes for the postseason.

The league plans for teams to start training camps in their home cities on June 30 before travelling to Orlando on July 7.&nbsp;

The league wants to have daily testing, and if a player tests positive, he would be isolated and quarantined.&nbsp;

The others would carry on playing while still being tested on a daily basis.

This year's regular season was halted abruptly after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive.&nbsp;

Gobert, of France, was given the all-clear about two weeks later.

So far, less than a dozen NBA players have been confirmed as testing positive for the coronavirus, although not all have been identified.

The NBA is the first major professional sports league disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak in North America to confirm a return date.

Although the National Hockey League and Major League Soccer have both announced plans to return, neither league has revealed details of when they expect competition to resume.

Major League Baseball meanwhile remains mired in a bitter contractual wrangle between teams and players with no clear idea of when the season may start.

The NBA's board of governors approved a return-to-play plan on Thursday, paving the way for the league to resume in Florida following a three-month coronavirus shutdown.

The NBA's board of governors approved a return-to-play plan on Thursday, paving the way for the league to resume in Florida following a three-month coronavirus shutdown. The NBA said a proposal put to the league's board that will see 22 teams based at a single location had passed comfortably. "We are in the equivalent of the first inning. We've got a long ways to go here," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told American cable station TNT on Thursday night. "We have always been looking for a safe way to resume, knowing we are going to be living with this virus for a while." Twenty-nine teams voted in favor of the return-to-play plan, with Portland the lone vote against, according to reports. Under the NBA's proposals, the league would resume on July 31 with 22 teams based at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando to minimize the threat of COVID-19. Games will be played without spectators. Playoffs would take place in August, with the NBA Finals set to be completed by October 12. The league has also penciled in a provisional December 1 start date for the 2020-2021 season. "The Board's approval of the restart format is a necessary step toward resuming the NBA season," Silver said. "While the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we are hopeful of finishing the season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being finalized with public health officials and medical experts." The NBA Players Association must sign off on the restart plan for it to take effect. The NBAPA is expected to vote on the plan during a conference call set for Friday. Silver said there are still some complex issues to be decided, including how to ensure the safety of some of their older coaches. He indicated that "certain coaches" may not be on the bench at all. San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is 71, and New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry is 65. Silver meanwhile referred to the protests that have erupted across the United States since the death of an unarmed black man in police custody in Minneapolis last week. "We also recognize that as we prepare to resume play, our society is reeling from recent tragedies of racial violence and injustice, and we will continue to work closely with our teams and players to use our collective resources and influence to address these issues in very real and concrete ways," Silver said. - Quarantine, testing - The NBA suspended its season on March 11 as the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, leaving professional sport in North America at a standstill. Sixteen teams occupying the playoff berths in the Western and Eastern Conferences will be joined by six more teams to determine the final playoff line-up. Nine teams from the Eastern Conference will be led by the Milwaukee Bucks and the reigning NBA champion Toronto Raptors. The Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards complete the contingent from the East. The Western Conference will provide 13 teams, including LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. Each of the 22 teams will play eight regular-season games for seeding purposes for the postseason. The league plans for teams to start training camps in their home cities on June 30 before travelling to Orlando on July 7. The league wants to have daily testing, and if a player tests positive, he would be isolated and quarantined. The others would carry on playing while still being tested on a daily basis. This year's regular season was halted abruptly after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive. Gobert, of France, was given the all-clear about two weeks later. So far, less than a dozen NBA players have been confirmed as testing positive for the coronavirus, although not all have been identified. The NBA is the first major professional sports league disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak in North America to confirm a return date. Although the National Hockey League and Major League Soccer have both announced plans to return, neither league has revealed details of when they expect competition to resume. Major League Baseball meanwhile remains mired in a bitter contractual wrangle between teams and players with no clear idea of when the season may start.

NBA to return as board approves return-to-play plan

The late Kobe Bryant's induction into America's basketball hall of fame has been postponed to 2021, US media reported on Wednesday.

Bryant, who died along with eight others in a helicopter crash in January, was schedule to be inducted into the Massachusetts-based Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on August 29.

Former NBA stars Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and six others are also slated to be enshrined next year due to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

"We're definitely canceling," Hall of Fame spokesman Jerry Colangelo told ESPN on Wednesday. "It's going to have to be the first quarter of next year. (The board will) meet in a couple of weeks and look at the options of how and when and where."&nbsp;

Bryant died January 26 at age 41 in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California that also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others.&nbsp;

Bryant was an 18-time NBA all-star, five-time NBA champion and three-time NBA finals MVP in a two-decade career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The late Kobe Bryant's induction into America's basketball hall of fame has been postponed to 2021, US media reported on Wednesday. Bryant, who died along with eight others in a helicopter crash in January, was schedule to be inducted into the Massachusetts-based Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on August 29.

The late Kobe Bryant's induction into America's basketball hall of fame has been postponed to 2021, US media reported on Wednesday. Bryant, who died along with eight others in a helicopter crash in January, was schedule to be inducted into the Massachusetts-based Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on August 29. Former NBA stars Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and six others are also slated to be enshrined next year due to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic. "We're definitely canceling," Hall of Fame spokesman Jerry Colangelo told ESPN on Wednesday. "It's going to have to be the first quarter of next year. (The board will) meet in a couple of weeks and look at the options of how and when and where." Bryant died January 26 at age 41 in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California that also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others. Bryant was an 18-time NBA all-star, five-time NBA champion and three-time NBA finals MVP in a two-decade career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kobe Bryant's induction to hall of fame postponed: report

A Hollywood moment for NBA legend Kobe Bryant proved a big draw in a Beverly Hills auction of sport memorabilia, his handprints in concrete selling for $75,000.

Julien's Auctions said the handprints were tests that were made by Bryant in 2011, when he became the first athlete to leave his prints alongside those of some of Hollywood's biggest stars in the forecourt of the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.

The item fetched more than 18 times its presale estimate of $4,000-6,000.

Other highlights of the Julien's auction included a full uniform worn by Bryant during the 1999-2000 NBA Finals and embroidered with an official NBA logo under a black band worn in remembrance of Wilt Chamberlain that sold for $43,750 -- more than four times its estimate of $10,000.

Bryant, who won five NBA titles in a 20-year career with the Lakers, died in a helicopter crash in January that also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.

Memorabilia of his career is fetching jaw-dropping auction prices, with a Lakers championship ring that he gave his mother selling for $201,250 at an auction run by New Jersey-based Goldin Auctions this week.

One of Bryant's rookie cards sold for $110,400 in the Goldin sale.&nbsp;

Bryant-related items realized $202,590 at the Julien's auction, where one 2006-07 season game-worn jersey sold for $22,400.

While collectors are clearly hungry for something to remember Bryant by, the ESPN documentary "The Last Dance" has also fueled desire for items related former Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan.

A Jordan 1986-87 Fleer rookie trading card sold in the Goldin auction for $99,630.

But the highest price in the opening session of the Goldin auction was for a signed rookie card for three-time American League Most Valuable Player Mike Trout, which fetched an astonishing $922,500 on Wednesday.

The 2009 Trout card features the Los Angeles Angels superstar outfielder's first autograph in a Major League Baseball uniform and is one of only five in existence.

A Hollywood moment for NBA legend Kobe Bryant proved a big draw in a Beverly Hills auction of sport memorabilia, his handprints in concrete selling for $75,000. Julien's Auctions said the handprints were tests that were made by Bryant in 2011, when he became the first athlete to leave his prints alongside those of some of Hollywood's biggest stars in the forecourt of the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.

A Hollywood moment for NBA legend Kobe Bryant proved a big draw in a Beverly Hills auction of sport memorabilia, his handprints in concrete selling for $75,000. Julien's Auctions said the handprints were tests that were made by Bryant in 2011, when he became the first athlete to leave his prints alongside those of some of Hollywood's biggest stars in the forecourt of the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. The item fetched more than 18 times its presale estimate of $4,000-6,000. Other highlights of the Julien's auction included a full uniform worn by Bryant during the 1999-2000 NBA Finals and embroidered with an official NBA logo under a black band worn in remembrance of Wilt Chamberlain that sold for $43,750 -- more than four times its estimate of $10,000. Bryant, who won five NBA titles in a 20-year career with the Lakers, died in a helicopter crash in January that also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others. Memorabilia of his career is fetching jaw-dropping auction prices, with a Lakers championship ring that he gave his mother selling for $201,250 at an auction run by New Jersey-based Goldin Auctions this week. One of Bryant's rookie cards sold for $110,400 in the Goldin sale. Bryant-related items realized $202,590 at the Julien's auction, where one 2006-07 season game-worn jersey sold for $22,400. While collectors are clearly hungry for something to remember Bryant by, the ESPN documentary "The Last Dance" has also fueled desire for items related former Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan. A Jordan 1986-87 Fleer rookie trading card sold in the Goldin auction for $99,630. But the highest price in the opening session of the Goldin auction was for a signed rookie card for three-time American League Most Valuable Player Mike Trout, which fetched an astonishing $922,500 on Wednesday. The 2009 Trout card features the Los Angeles Angels superstar outfielder's first autograph in a Major League Baseball uniform and is one of only five in existence.

Bryant items fetch premium prices, Trout card sets record

Former Chicago Bulls player Horace Grant lashed out at Michael Jordan on Tuesday, accusing the NBA legend of providing a skewed version of the truth in the hit documentary series "The Last Dance."

In an interview with ESPN radio, Grant, who won three NBA championships playing alongside Jordan, said the acclaimed documentary had been edited to present Jordan in a favorable light.

"I would say it was entertaining, but we know, who was there as teammates, that about 90% of it was BS in terms of the realness of it," Grant said.

"It wasn't real – because a lot of things (Jordan) said to some of his teammates, that his teammates went back at him.&nbsp;

"But all of that was kind of edited out of the documentary, if you want to call it a documentary."

Grant saved his sharpest criticism for suggestions made by Jordan that he had been a key source for "The Jordan Rules," a book that lifted the lid on the NBA great's career.

"Lie, lie, lie," Grant said of the allegation. "If MJ had a grudge with me, let's settle this like men. Let's talk about it. Or we can settle it another way.&nbsp;

"But yet and still, he goes out and puts this lie out that I was the source behind it (The Jordan Rules)."

Although Grant admitted to being "great friends" with the book's author, Sam Smith, he insisted he had always protected the "sanctity of that locker room."

"I would never put anything personal out there," Grant said.

Grant meanwhile also criticised Jordan's conduct as a player with younger members of the Bulls dressing room accusing him of being physically and verbally abusive to team-mates.

One segment of "The Last Dance," which was made with the involvement of Jordan's own production company, dwells on the physical altercation between Jordan and former team-mate Steve Kerr, when the two came to blows during a practice.

Grant said he had refused to be intimidated by Jordan.

"(Jordan) felt that he could dominate me, but that was sadly mistaken," Grant said.&nbsp;

"Because whenever he went at me, I went at him right back. But in terms of Will Perdue, Steve Kerr and the young man, Scott Burrell, that was heartbreaking. To see a guy, a leader, to go at those guys like that.

"I understand in terms of practicing, you have a push and shove here and there,&nbsp;but outright punching &nbsp;and things of that nature … that wasn’t called for."

Former Chicago Bulls player Horace Grant lashed out at Michael Jordan on Tuesday, accusing the NBA legend of providing a skewed version of the truth in the hit documentary series "The Last Dance.

Former Chicago Bulls player Horace Grant lashed out at Michael Jordan on Tuesday, accusing the NBA legend of providing a skewed version of the truth in the hit documentary series "The Last Dance." In an interview with ESPN radio, Grant, who won three NBA championships playing alongside Jordan, said the acclaimed documentary had been edited to present Jordan in a favorable light. "I would say it was entertaining, but we know, who was there as teammates, that about 90% of it was BS in terms of the realness of it," Grant said. "It wasn't real – because a lot of things (Jordan) said to some of his teammates, that his teammates went back at him. "But all of that was kind of edited out of the documentary, if you want to call it a documentary." Grant saved his sharpest criticism for suggestions made by Jordan that he had been a key source for "The Jordan Rules," a book that lifted the lid on the NBA great's career. "Lie, lie, lie," Grant said of the allegation. "If MJ had a grudge with me, let's settle this like men. Let's talk about it. Or we can settle it another way. "But yet and still, he goes out and puts this lie out that I was the source behind it (The Jordan Rules)." Although Grant admitted to being "great friends" with the book's author, Sam Smith, he insisted he had always protected the "sanctity of that locker room." "I would never put anything personal out there," Grant said. Grant meanwhile also criticised Jordan's conduct as a player with younger members of the Bulls dressing room accusing him of being physically and verbally abusive to team-mates. One segment of "The Last Dance," which was made with the involvement of Jordan's own production company, dwells on the physical altercation between Jordan and former team-mate Steve Kerr, when the two came to blows during a practice. Grant said he had refused to be intimidated by Jordan. "(Jordan) felt that he could dominate me, but that was sadly mistaken," Grant said. "Because whenever he went at me, I went at him right back. But in terms of Will Perdue, Steve Kerr and the young man, Scott Burrell, that was heartbreaking. To see a guy, a leader, to go at those guys like that. "I understand in terms of practicing, you have a push and shove here and there, but outright punching and things of that nature … that wasn’t called for."

Grant slams Jordan over 'Last Dance' claim

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James said Monday he's eager for the NBA season to resume, as long as the health of players and their families won't be endangered amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

James, speaking on the "WRTS: After Party" programme on the Uninterrupted multi-media platform, said he hoped the NBA season resumes sooner rather than later.

"Definitely not giving up on the season," said James, whose Lakers led the Western Conference when the NBA suspended play on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus.

The virus brought global sport to a virtual standstill, but as lockdowns aimed at preventing its spread have begun to ease, sport has begun to re-emerge.

Germany's Bundesliga became the first top European football league to resume after a two-month hiatus at the weekend.

In North America the popular NASCAR stock car series resumed without spectators on Sunday and golf stuck a toe in the water with a made-for-TV charity event featuring Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson.

The NBA, along with Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League and Major League Soccer are still formulating plans to return, while the NFL tries to stay on course for an on-schedule season opening in September.

"Not only myself and my teammates, the Lakers organization, we want to play," James said. "There's a lot of players that I know personally that want to play. And obviously, we don't ever want to jeopardize the health of any of our players or any of the players' families and so on and so on.

"This is a pandemic that we have no idea -- we can't control it," James said. "We're going to listen to the people that's been following this pandemic, following the numbers, following the data."

The Lakers own the second-best record in the league behind Eastern Conference leaders the Milwaukee Bucks and were already assured of a spot in the playoffs -- which were due to start in April.

Among the uncertainties surrounding an NBA return is whether all of the remaining games of the regular season will be played and whether teams will play in their home arenas or at sites that will better allow the league to limit access for safety reasons.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told players last week that he expected the league to study outbreak and testing developments for another two to four weeks before making a decision about resuming competition.

James has said he doesn't relish the idea of playing without fans in attendance, but he said Monday he just wants to be back on court.

"You know, I want to get back to playing," James said. "I love to play the game of basketball. I know how inspiring the game of basketball is. I know how inspiring sport is, itself.

"As soon as possible, when we can get back out there, we'd love to bring the game of basketball back to our fans."

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James said Monday he's eager for the NBA season to resume, as long as the health of players and their families won't be endangered amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James said Monday he's eager for the NBA season to resume, as long as the health of players and their families won't be endangered amid the COVID-19 pandemic. James, speaking on the "WRTS: After Party" programme on the Uninterrupted multi-media platform, said he hoped the NBA season resumes sooner rather than later. "Definitely not giving up on the season," said James, whose Lakers led the Western Conference when the NBA suspended play on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. The virus brought global sport to a virtual standstill, but as lockdowns aimed at preventing its spread have begun to ease, sport has begun to re-emerge. Germany's Bundesliga became the first top European football league to resume after a two-month hiatus at the weekend. In North America the popular NASCAR stock car series resumed without spectators on Sunday and golf stuck a toe in the water with a made-for-TV charity event featuring Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson. The NBA, along with Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League and Major League Soccer are still formulating plans to return, while the NFL tries to stay on course for an on-schedule season opening in September. "Not only myself and my teammates, the Lakers organization, we want to play," James said. "There's a lot of players that I know personally that want to play. And obviously, we don't ever want to jeopardize the health of any of our players or any of the players' families and so on and so on. "This is a pandemic that we have no idea -- we can't control it," James said. "We're going to listen to the people that's been following this pandemic, following the numbers, following the data." The Lakers own the second-best record in the league behind Eastern Conference leaders the Milwaukee Bucks and were already assured of a spot in the playoffs -- which were due to start in April. Among the uncertainties surrounding an NBA return is whether all of the remaining games of the regular season will be played and whether teams will play in their home arenas or at sites that will better allow the league to limit access for safety reasons. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told players last week that he expected the league to study outbreak and testing developments for another two to four weeks before making a decision about resuming competition. James has said he doesn't relish the idea of playing without fans in attendance, but he said Monday he just wants to be back on court. "You know, I want to get back to playing," James said. "I love to play the game of basketball. I know how inspiring the game of basketball is. I know how inspiring sport is, itself. "As soon as possible, when we can get back out there, we'd love to bring the game of basketball back to our fans."

Lakers' LeBron eager to get back to basketball

The NBA fined Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford $25,000 for "verbally abusing" officials in their 105-103 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday, the league announced on Friday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vanessa-bryants-celebration-of-life-to-commemorate-kobe-and-gianna-bryant-279350" hreflang="en">Vanessa Bryant's 'celebration of life' to commemorate Kobe and Gianna Bryant</a>

Clifford was angry at the end of the game at Madison Square Garden after he tried unsuccessfully to call a timeout with 6.7 seconds remaining and the Knicks leading 105-103.

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😐 <a href="https://t.co/uT1KjHaxRd">pic.twitter.com/uT1KjHaxRd</a>
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) <a href="https://twitter.com/OrlandoMagic/status/1225617520691904514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Vying for the chance to run a play that might have tied -- or even won -- the contest, Clifford had some choice words for the officiating crew as he departed the court in the wake of the two-point defeat.

Later he said the officiating crew should have expected him to call a timeout in that kind of situation.

"When players don't have awareness, you lose. Coaches have poor awareness, that was my fault tonight, you lose," Clifford said after the game. "The officials have got to have awareness, too.

"Knowing the game and knowing the rules and knowing the situation's got to be a part of it, too."

The NBA fined Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford $25,000 for "verbally abusing" officials in their 105-103 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday, the league announced on Friday.

The NBA fined Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford $25,000 for "verbally abusing" officials in their 105-103 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday, the league announced on Friday. Also read: Vanessa Bryant's 'celebration of life' to commemorate Kobe and Gianna Bryant Clifford was angry at the end of the game at Madison Square Garden after he tried unsuccessfully to call a timeout with 6.7 seconds remaining and the Knicks leading 105-103. 😐 pic.twitter.com/uT1KjHaxRd — Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) February 7, 2020 × Vying for the chance to run a play that might have tied -- or even won -- the contest, Clifford had some choice words for the officiating crew as he departed the court in the wake of the two-point defeat. Later he said the officiating crew should have expected him to call a timeout in that kind of situation. "When players don't have awareness, you lose. Coaches have poor awareness, that was my fault tonight, you lose," Clifford said after the game. "The officials have got to have awareness, too. "Knowing the game and knowing the rules and knowing the situation's got to be a part of it, too."

NBA fines Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford $25K over outburst

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