"The better team won the series. However, the mischaracterization of Mavs fans and the suggestion that there was a continuous racial or other type of onslaught by Mavs fans in the area toward the Nuggets bench and their fans is absolutely incorrect."

Karl, appearing on Dan Patrick's syndicated radio show, claimed that racial epithets were directed at his players by AAC fans.

"I felt it crossed the line," said Karl, who said he plans to talk to the league office after the season. "There was a racist mentality to it. There was a fighting mentality to it. It was to the point where blows I think could have happened. There wasn't enough security."

In his response, Cuban said security reports indicated that a bodyguard trying to "proactively protect" friends and family members of Nuggets' players escalated tensions.

Cuban said no video evidence reveals Mavericks fans acting in an abusive manner. He invited Karl and Denver security to review the Mavericks' documentation.

"May I also politely suggest to Coach Karl that they increase security in their traveling party and near their bench," Cuban wrote.

"The reaction by their players and others in the bench area to what was going on in the stands did not make the situation any easier for security people who were only trying to do their jobs."

Howard bounces back: Nobody was questioning Josh Howard's commitment after this year's postseason.

"I showed it," Howard said after playing on two aching ankles in the postseason. "Never let none of this stuff get to me. Even with the health issues, I still fought back."

A year ago, Howard was a focal point for the Mavs' early exit. He acknowledged marijuana use and handed out birthday party fliers following a playoff loss.

"Things humbled me for a reason," Howard said. "Knocked me down, picked me up, and I kept fighting, and that's what I'm going to keep doing."

Howard will be meeting with a specialist in New York next week to get a second opinion on his injured left ankle, which is expected to require surgery.