Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has claimed that hate isn't a strong enough word to describe his feelings towards the Miami Heat.
Cuban's franchise blew a 2-0 lead in the 2006 NBA finals before losing 4-2 to Miami, but the rivalry was renewed five years later when the Mavericks claimed the NBA title ahead of the Heat.
However, Cuban has made it clear that he still regards the current champions as a fierce rival.
"Hate's a strong word, but it's probably not strong enough," Cuban told reporters.
"It's not the individual players at all. It's just the whole representation of 2006 still sticks with me."
Cuban acquired a majority stake in the Mavericks in 2000.
