Format for NBA Finals may change

THE NBA Finals could return to a 2-2-1-1-1 format.

The league's Competition Committee has voted unanimously to recommend the change from the current 2-3-2 system and owners will vote on it next month at their meetings.

"The idea was raised at the Competition Committee and was well-received and the committee ultimately unanimously voted to recommend the change in format," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said yesterday.

If approved, it hasn't been decided if the change would begin with the 2014 Finals.

The Competition Committee's vote was first reported by the Boston Herald.

The format was switched beginning in 1985, a recommendation commissioner David Stern has said came in part from former Celtics boss Red Auerbach to reduce the cross-country trips between Boston and Los Angeles.

Critics argue it gives homecourt advantage to the lower-seeded team in Game 5, which is often a pivotal game in a best-of-seven series.

Last season, the Miami Heat became just the fourth team to rally from 3-2 down by winning the final two on their home floor.

All other rounds in the NBA playoffs use the 2-2-1-1-1 format.

In other NBA news:

* Erik Spoelstra signed a multiyear extension to remain as coach of the Miami Heat. Spoelstra has 1 year remaining on his current deal.

* Philadelphia's Jesse Hart knocked out Terrence Wilson in the first round of their super middleweight fight on Saturday at Bally's in Atlantic City. Hart is 10-0, with nine KOs. Wilson is 6-8.

* Kirk Triplett successfully defended his First Tee Open title at Pebble Beach, closing with a 4-under 68 for a two-stroke victory over Doug Garwood and Dan Forsman.

* Chesson Hadley closed with a 1-under 69 for a two-shot victory at the Web.com Tour Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. It was the fourth and final event of the series that determines PGA Tour cards. A late bogey by Scott Gardiner kept Hadley from winning the special money list and getting full status on the PGA Tour and a spot in The Players Championship next year.

* Canada's Lorie Kane won the Legends Championship in French Lick, Ind., closing with an even-par 72 for a two-stroke victory over Val Skinner and Laurie Rinker.

* Former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar, 49, was arrested on drunken-driving charges in suburban Cleveland early yesterday.

* New IOC president Thomas Bach said he has received assurances from senior Russian officials and games organizers that an ongoing controversy over the country's treatment of gays will not affect athletes at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Russia has come under international criticism from human rights and gay groups after passing legislation outlawing the promotion of homosexuality.