First-Round Series Will Remain Best of Five

Unable to reach an agreement with the players’ union, the NBA will retain the best-of-five format for the first round of the playoffs, Commissioner David Stern said in New York.

“I told the players’ association that it would be important for the league to go to seven, but they’re not going to accept that and that’s too bad,” Stern said.

Plans to go to a best-of-seven format for the first round were part of the league’s new six-year TV contracts with ABC and Turner Sports, although the change was subject to union approval. Union officials said most of the players oppose an extended first round.

The only change will be a maximum of three days off between first-round games, Stern said.

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San Antonio Spur star Tim Duncan was trying his best to get back for the deciding Game 5 tonight against the Seattle SuperSonics but his presence wasn’t certain, Coach Gregg Popovich said.

Duncan missed Wednesday’s Game 4 loss to Seattle after traveling to his native Virgin Islands this week after the death of his father.

Center David Robinson, who has played only seven minutes in the series, remained doubtful because of a back injury, Popovich said.

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The Charlotte Hornets’ proposed move to New Orleans was unanimously supported by an NBA relocation committee.

Owners of the league’s 29 teams will decide May 10 whether the team can move. If 15 owners approve, the team would begin playing in the New Orleans Arena next season.