Mike Fratello breaks down Rick Mahorn's elbow to Mark Price's dome

March 3, 1989 - Detroit Pistons forward Rick Mahorn was fined $5,000 for grazing Mark Price with a run-by elbow late in a 115-99 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. "In my judgment, after reviewing the videotape, this was an intentional, flagrant elbow," NBA Vice President of Operations Rod Thorn said. "Mahorn previously has been penalized for other unsportsmanlike acts, and I find it necessary to increase the level of the fine to $5,000." The elbow served as a pivotal point for a once-promising Cavaliers season. Price missed two games with a mild concussion but for a team that began the season 42-12, a subsequent 15-13 end to the regular season sounded all available alarm bells. The Pistons, meanwhile, closed the regular season on fire following the acquisition of Mark Aguirre, embarking on a 30-4 run, resulting in a 63 wins, a No. 1 seed in the East, and eventually, an NBA championship. The Cavs, in contrast, having lost their sizable division lead, were forced to settle for a third seed, setting up a date with Michael Jordan and the sixth-seeded Chicago Bulls. Their first round series went to a do-or-die Game 5, where Jordan continued padding his budding legacy with a game-winning, series-ending jumper over the outstretched arms of Craig Ehlo. Source: https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/03/...