“Brought The Whole Bar” – Pat Riley’s Hilarious Move to Taunt Billionaire Owner Mark Cuban Revealed

Both Pat Riley and Mark Cuban are well known for being fierce competitors. The two of them have been influential figures for their franchises, the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks respectively. The two respective franchises locked horns in the 2006 NBA Finals. Both franchises were hunting for their first NBA championship and delivered one of the most memorable heavyweight battles from the early 2000s. 

Pat Riley, often referred to as “the Godfather”, is regarded by many as one of the greatest NBA figures of all time. The Heat joined the league in the 1988–89 season, but they did not rise to prominence until they hired Riley to be their head coach and president before the 1995–96 season.

While he has brought in immense success to the franchise, he has also locked horns with several stars over the years and was responsible for forcing Shaquille O’Neal out and and then went on to micromanage LeBron James, which led to his departure.

Meanwhile, Mark Cuban is the former principal owner and current minority owner of the Mavs. During his time as the majority owner, he was well appreciated by the players and the fans. He was rarely involved any controversies and was frequently seen in the front row supporting his team passionately.

The Mavericks were the favorites heading into the finals but it was head coach Riley’s Heat that prevailed in six games. To make matters worse for Mark Cuban and his men, the series decider took place in Dallas. Heat legend Dwyane Wade was named as the Finals MVP for his performances.

Former Heat player Jason Williams said on the Hoopin’ N Hollerin’ Podcast that both teams’ focus was on the game at hand before game six, but Cuban made an interesting request to Riley, if the Heat did win the series.

Anybody after the game I saw dry, idc if it was your mom, dad, if I didn’t know ya you were getting something poured on your head that night. Cuban told Riley ‘don’t bring no bottles in the building that night’. He didn’t want us to f*ck up the locker room. So what does Riley do? He brought the whole bar and 2 more. He trippin. I wish I could’ve seen Cuban that night. He would’ve got poured on.

Jason Williams says Mark Cuban asked Pat Riley not to bring champagne bottles to Dallas in the 2006 finals ahead of game 6 because he didn’t want the Heat to “ruin the locker rooms” 😳

“Anybody after the game I saw dry, idc if it was your mom, dad, if I didn’t know ya you were… pic.twitter.com/yhlNBCwxSE

— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) January 22, 2026

Despite Cuban’s request, Riley did not seem to care and went on with the celebrations. However, Cuban was able to get his revenge when the Mavs beat the Heat in the 2011 Finals, with Riley as an executive.

Dwyane Wade calls Pat Riley a “whale hunter”

While Riley will go down as the greatest figures ever for the Heat, both as a coach and executive, Wade will be regarded as the greatest franchise player. Drafted as the fifth pick in the 2003 NBA draft, Wade lifted three championships in 2006, 2012 and 2013 and was awarded the Finals MVP in 2006. He spent the majority of his 16-year career with the Heat.

With the Heat struggling after the departure of Jimmy Butler, there have been reports that Ja Morant is interested in joining the organization before the trade deadline.

Wade has been a big supporter of Morant ever since he entered the league. The 13-time All-Star believes that Riley will do what’s best for the Heat to pull the trigger for whoever the big star is available.

I’m a fan, and I have nothing to do with the organization and their decisions, obviously. I want to win. It’s two teams I want to win, it’s either I want the Jazz to win or I want the Heat to win. Everybody else, have fun. The Heat is one of the teams I want to win because my basketball legacy is there. Pat Riley is a whale hunter. Whatever the whale hunter wants to do, he’s going to do it.

D-Wade when asked if he heard Ja Morant wants to get traded to the Miami Heat 👀

“Everyone’s ‘trying to get to Miami’. Every time someone’s getting traded, it’s ’Miami’… everyone knows, it’s well documented that Pat Riley is a whale hunter… I want to win. It’s two teams I… pic.twitter.com/gzVyIlre7F

— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) January 19, 2026

The Memphis Grizzlies are open to hear for offers for their star player for the first time. Morant has had his share of struggles of and on the court in the last two years, but there is no doubting his talent and skill, as he could elevate the franchise once again.

Miami Heat need to acquire a star

After being knocked out in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs in the last two seasons, the Heat are going through a rough phase lately. With Riley and Butler having a fallout, the forward was traded to the Golden State Warriors in the middle of last season.

This season, the Heat continue to remain as a play-in team. They suffered a 127-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland on Thursday night. The defeat dropped them to 23-22 after 45 games as they currently find themselves at eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

With no big stars within the roster, it is difficult for the Heat to make any noise in a wide open Eastern Conference. Along with Morant, the Heat should look to make a move for two-time MVP and former champion, Giannis Antetokounmpo. A player of the Greek’s caliber could elevate the franchise to championship contenders.

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