Payton gets one-game suspension

Miami Heat guard Gary Payton was suspended one game without pay Monday for talking back to an official who ejected him during a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.

Payton was ejected by referee Mark Davis for arguing a call just before halftime. Before leaving, Payton leaned in and said something to Davis.

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The slam-dunk contest judges might be better than the contestants.

Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins lead four former champions who will serve as judges for the Feb. 17 competition. They will be joined by Hall of Famer Julius Erving and two other champions who will play in the All-Star game: Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter.

New York guard Nate Robinson will try to defend his title in Las Vegas. Orlando All-Star Dwight Howard, Chicago rookie Tyrus Thomas and Boston’s Gerald Green round out the field.