Mike Brown took the high road out of town.
Fired by Cleveland after winning 127 regular-season games the past two seasons but not an NBA title, Brown called his five years with the Cleveland Cavaliers an "exceptional experience."
Brown, who had not publicly commented since his dismissal, issued a statement through the Cavs on Wednesday in which he thanked his team, general manager Danny Ferry and owner Dan Gilbert for the opportunity to coach in Cleveland. The 40-year-old Brown was fired in the aftermath of a second-round playoff collapse to Boston.
"The past five years have been an exceptional experience," Brown said. "I have been very fortunate to lead a group of men who I respect and thoroughly enjoyed coaching on a daily basis. At the same time, I was able to work alongside a terrific coaching staff and with Danny Ferry and a basketball operations team, all of whom I have a profound respect for."
Howard's foul termed flagrant: Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard's foul on Kevin Garnett in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals has been upgraded to a flagrant-one foul.
The NBA made the announcement Wednesday.
Howard grabbed a rebound with 6:25 remaining in the third quarter and swung his elbow, knocking Garnett in the face. That is Howard's second flagrant of the playoffs.
Magic's Lewis ill: Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis says he has been playing with a viral infection during the Eastern Conference finals.
Lewis said after the Magic's shootaround Wednesday that he's been sick the "whole series" against the Boston Celtics. He says he has been "feeling weak" and "tired" during games and hasn't been able to hold food down.
