Sprewell Is Fined $25,000

Minnesota guard Latrell Sprewell was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Wednesday for cursing at New York Knick chairman James Dolan and screaming at the team’s bench during the Timberwolves’ 98-92 victory Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

The penalty was issued in New York by Stu Jackson, the NBA’s senior vice president.

Sprewell, who was traded to Minnesota and scored 31 points in his return to New York, turned to Dolan and unleashed a stream of curses after his three-pointer gave Minnesota a 94-89 lead with 1:14 to play.

Referee Dan Crawford came over and warned Sprewell to stop during the ensuing timeout, but Sprewell kept it up anyway and directed his next rant at the Knicks’ bench. The tirade earned him a technical foul.

Sprewell began screaming at Dolan during the first quarter, the first expletive-filled harangue making Dolan blush. Sprewell turned and shouted at Dolan several more times during the course of the game. Dolan eventually smiled at the taunts.

“All the little games he’s been playing this year, I let him do the talking earlier. I’m just glad I could do the talking now,” Sprewell said after the game.

In 1999, Sprewell was fined $10,000 for making profane remarks to fans during a Knick victory at Golden State. That game was the first time Sprewell faced former coach P.J. Carlesimo, whom he choked in December 1997, when Sprewell played for Golden State and Carlesimo was the Warriors’ coach.

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Sacramento King forward Peja Stojakovic was suspended for one game by the league for making improper contact with a game official.

Stojakovic, who scored a career-high 41 points in the Kings’ 114-97 victory over Memphis on Tuesday night, brushed official Bernie Fryer with 1:17 remaining in the second quarter and received a technical foul.

“I overreacted on that,” Stojakovic said. “I apologized to him at halftime.”

Stojakovic will miss the Kings’ home game today against the Dallas Mavericks.

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Denver Nugget rookie Carmelo Anthony could miss Friday’s game against the Houston Rockets because a strained toe.

“If it’s something that is still bothering him, we’re going to hold him out. No question his health is much more important to me right now,” Nugget General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe said.

Anthony has been bothered by a sprained right toe for a week and a half. He has been in pain the last two games, shooting only nine for 32.

Marcus Camby is uncertain for Friday’s game because of a lower back strain. Nene has a left thumb sprain but should be ready.