Times wires
Thursday, April 14, 2011
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Spurs guard Manu Ginobili is doubtful for Sunday's Game 1 against the Grizzlies with a sprained right elbow.
Ginobili, 33, an All-Star who averaged 17.4 points this season, had an MRI exam Thursday. He was hurt during Wednesday's regular-season finale when he collided with the Suns' Grant Hill while coming off a screen.
San Antonio locked up the No. 1 seed in the West last week. Coach Gregg Popovich sat his stars Tuesday at the Lakers but played them against the Suns.
"They needed to get a good run … so they can keep a rhythm," Popovich said after Wednesday's game.
Spurs center Tim Duncan defended Popovich.
"You can't predict anything," he said. "And there's no reason to second-guess."
Lakers, Jackson fined: The Lakers and coach Phil Jackson each were fined $75,000 for Jackson's comments about the collective bargaining agreement, ESPN.com and the Associated Press reported. ESPN.com reported the fine stems from Jackson comments last week, during which he said the expected lockout after this season factored into his decision to retire.
Kings: Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson spoke to league owners in New York about keeping the team in California's capital. Owners Joe and Gavin Maloof, who also spoke, are considering a move to Anaheim, Calif., because of a lack of a new arena. They must file an application by Monday. Johnson, a former NBA All-Star, said he hopes the Maloofs stay but if not, a group headed by Pittsburgh Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle would be interested in purchasing the team or buying another to move to Sacramento. The Maloofs have said they will not sell.
Late Wednesday: Kobe Bryant scored 36, including a 3-pointer with 4.8 seconds left that forced overtime, to lead the visiting Lakers to a 116-108 win over the Kings that clinched the West's No. 2 seed. Los Angeles finished with the same record as Dallas but earned the tiebreaker because it won its division while Dallas finished behind Oklahoma City. … Blake Griffin had 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the host Clippers past the Grizzlies 110-103. A win would have earned Memphis the No. 7 seed. Instead, New Orleans will face the Lakers.
