Warrior Questions Disciplinary Action

Latrell Sprewell, speaking publicly for the first time since returning from a two-game suspension, said the Golden State Warriors’ disciplinary action for missing a team function was too severe.

Sprewell vented his feelings prior to Monday night’s game at Dallas, in which he scored 30 points in a 123-112 Warriors’ victory.

He sat out a game against San Antonio last Saturday because of a sore right knee after missing the previous two because of the suspension, imposed for skipping a team function for season-ticket holders at Marine World.

“I thought it was unfair and that they didn’t have the right to do that,” said Sprewell, who was not paid while on suspension. “They could have fined me, but two games is a little severe.”

Sprewell reserved his harshest remarks for injured teammate Tim Hardaway and former coach Don Nelson, who traded away Billy Owens and Chris Webber.

Webber, last season’s rookie of the year, and Owens are close friends of Sprewell, who has protested their departure by wearing their numbers on his sneakers all season.

Jordan proves value

It came a little late for him to be picked the Most Valuable Player, but Michael Jordan’s comeback shows he’s still the league’s Most Influential Player.

He has been credited with everything from saving the game from the throes of Generation-X players to speeding labor negotiations.

He has made a game-winning shot against coach Lenny Wilkens and Atlanta and had a 55-point outing against New York.

Jordan is averaging just more than 33 points on the road, but really misses old Chicago Stadium.

In United Center, Jordan is shooting 34 percent and scoring only 18 points.

“I just have to keep pushing myself to get back to the standards that I’m used to,” Jordan said.

Chalk one up for Spurs

When the San Antonio Spurs trailed the woeful Los Angeles Clippers at halftime before rallying to keep alive a club-record streak, coach Bob Hill angrily heaved a plastic water bottle and a piece of chalk.

“I really thought I was going to get through the year without resorting to that,” Hill said.

Pacers on dizzying pace

The streaking Indiana Pacers could be headed to the NBA Finals.

“You’re playing on Broadway,” Reggie Miller said after scoring 27 points in a win at New York. “You’ve got to bring out your best here. I was so jealous when I saw Michael (Jordan score 55 points two weeks ago). I couldn’t top it, but I let them know I was in the building.”

The Pacers ended an eight-game regular-season skid in New York.

Then, they held Charlotte scoreless for 7 minutes while scoring 20 straight in a 97-68 rout that established a Pacers’ opponent low.

“We showed that we have what it takes to win a championship,” said Pacers forward Antonio Davis.

Exotic Magic ailments

From the team that brought you iliotibial band friction syndrome (Dennis Scott), the Orlando Magic now offer esophagitis (Anfernee Hardaway).

They’re glad that’s all it is.

“Now we have a definitive diagnosis for something very treatable,” said Magic trainer Lenny Currier.

MEMO: Cut in Spokane edition