Warriors edge Grizz despite Draymond ejection

The Dallas Mavericks have lost their protest over their 127-125 loss to the Golden State Warriors on March 22nd.

The protest contended that referee did not properly administer an out-of-bounds call and subsequent throw-in that created an uncontested field goal by the Warriors.

The incident occurred with nearly 14 minutes remaining in the game and the Mavericks took the lead twice in the final four minutes.

The NBA said that the Mavericks were not deprived of a fair opportunity to win the game and the protest failed on that basis alone.

The NBA also concluded that although the referees could have taken steps to better manage the situation, it did not provide a basis for upholding a game protest.

Adrian Wojnarowski has announced he is retiring as a reporter covering the NBA for ESPN and will join St. Bonaventure as general manager of the men’s basketball program.

Wojnarowski left Yahoo to join ESPN in 2017 and was one of the two main newsbreakers in NBA media. Wojnarowski signed a contract extension with ESPN in 2022 and is reportedly walking away from approximately $20 million in guaranteed money on top of any future earnings had he stayed in the role.

“I grew up the son of a factory worker two miles from ESPN’s campus and only ever dreamed of making a living as a sportswriter,” wrote Wojnarowski in his statement. “Thirty-seven years ago, the Hartford Courant gave me my first byline and I never stopped chasing the thrill of it all.

“This craft transformed my life, but l’ve decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry. I understand the commitment required in my role and it’s an investment that I’m no longer driven to make. Time isn’t in endless supply and I want to spend mine in ways that are more personally meaningful.

“I leave with overwhelming gratitude for countless mentors and colleagues, subjects and stories, readers and viewers. No one has benefitted more than me from the belief, trust and generosity of others.

“The past seven years at ESPN have been a particular privilege. I’m appreciative of the company’s leadership – especially Jimmy Pitaro and Cristina Daglas – for the understanding and acceptance of my decision to make a life change. After all these years reporting on everyone’s teams, I’m headed back to my own.”

Wojnarowski worked under Pitaro at Yahoo before reuniting at ESPN.

“I’ve known and admired Woj since we first worked together at Yahoo! in 2007,” said Pitaro in a statement. “His work ethic is second to none. He’s extraordinarily talented and fearless. He has led the industry at ESPN, and his dedication to the craft and to fans is legendary. While we will miss his daily output, we completely understand his decision to make a lifestyle change and slow down a bit. We know he will continue to thrive in this next chapter, and he has our collective gratitude and support.”

Sources tell the Athletic that Wojnarowski spoke with Pitaro and Burke Magnus about his decision and that the ESPN executives were surprised by the move. Wojnarowski conveyed that “he was completely burned out from the incessant news breaking that required him to be on his phone nearly 24/7.”

Monte McNair of the Sacramento Kings has been named the NBA Basketball Executive of the Year. McNair received 16 first place votes, while Koby Altman of the Cleveland Cavaliers received seven. Justin Zanik, Calvin Booth and Brad Stevens rounded out the top-5.

The Kings broke their playoff drought and finished the regular season as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.

Behind the play of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings had the best offensive rating in the NBA.

Sacramento’s trade of Tyrese Haliburton for Sabonis was controversial, but it balanced out their roster and allowed Fox to emerge as one of the best guards in the NBA. The Kings also added Keegan Murray at the draft, Malik Monk in free agency and Kevin Huerter via trade.

The Kings hired McNair in 2020.