Stern silences Magic's Van Gundy

 OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - NBA Commissioner David Stern might have finally muzzled Magic coach Stan Van Gundy - at least for now.

Van Gundy said before Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors that he has been told he can't comment anymore in the ongoing dispute with Stern that had escalated into personal jabs.

Van Gundy was defending Dwight Howard after the Magic's All-Star center picked up an automatic suspension for reaching 16 technical fouls, saying "this is the system David Stern and his minions like." He also insinuated that Stern was acting like dictators who don't "tolerate other people's opinion or free speech or anything."

Stern shot back Thursday that he wouldn't fine Van Gundy again but would speak to Magic ownership to quiet its always opinionated coach.