David Stern said on Sunday that Celtics' legend Red Auerbach played a role in the 2-3-2 format of the NBA Finals, according to The Associated Press.

"Although he's not here to defend himself and deny it, I tell you that Red said to me back in '84, 'This is too much. Play, travel, play, travel, play, travel,'" Stern said. "In subsequent years he said it was terrible that we changed it to 2-3-2, but a young commissioner was motivated by the father of us all."

Boston fans have been complaining about the format, perhaps because of their team's shortcomings on the road this postseason.