Avery Johnson-Mark Cuban Feud Was over Brandon Bass

Brandon Bass was at the heart of an argument between Mavericks coach Avery Johnson and team owner Mark Cuban, concerning Bass’ playing time and his performances against top teams, a source said.

Cuban, the source said, believes Bass hasn’t produced consistently against top teams and that Johnson is playing the third-year power forward too much.

Cuban denied the encounter after Tuesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers centered on Bass. The owner and the coach both downplayed it as a fiery, but not untypical, conversation between two passionate and stubborn personalities.

"No, it wasn’t about Bass. It was just venting," Cuban answered by e-mail. He did not attend Thursday’s game against the Celtics. "Happens all the time. Just like it has with former coaches. I’ve even blogged about it before. [Star-Telegram]