Around The Nba

Starks rips writer John Starks’ temper flared for the second time in three days Tuesday when he threatened a reporter and had to be restrained by a New York Knicks assistant coach and two teammates.

Starks, whose nationally televised tantrum in Indianapolis Sunday drew a technical foul, turned his anger Tuesday on Thomas Hill, the Knicks beat reporter from the New York Post. Upset about an article that had quoted his mother and grandmother criticizing Knicks coach Don Nelson, Starks stormed across the court at the end of practice and began screaming and pointing at Hill.

“Don’t be calling my family. Don’t be calling my mother. Don’t be calling my grandmother,” Starks yelled. “Do you understand? Do you understand, boy?”

Starks was pulled away by assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy. Hill said Starks then threatened bodily harm and again was restrained.

The story quoted Starks’ sister, mother and 74-year-old grandmother. It included a quote from Starks’ grandmother, saying that she was planning a trip to watch the Knicks play in March, and wanted to confront Nelson there.

Shocking news: KJ injured

Phoenix guard Kevin Johnson, who played in 10 games since recovering from injuries to his left leg, pulled a hamstring in the same leg Tuesday night.

Hill to keep feet on ground

Grant Hill of the Detroit Pistons withdrew from the Slam-Dunk competition, part of the NBA’s All-Star weekend in San Antonio.

Hill has a sore right wrist as the result of an injury in game Jan. 29, the league said. He will start in Sunday’s All-Star game, however, according to the league.