I believe the NBA owners are fearful if they don't immediately take a popular stance that the playoffs going on NOW would be immediately boycotted by the NBA players and those owners with teams in the playoffs would be liable for refunding millions in ticket sales, etc.
Silver made a "keep the show" going move for now, all the while knowing that later, when the playoffs are over, they'll lose gracefully in a court of law and it will be what it will be.
Why wouldn’t it fly in a court of law—though Sterling could probably tie them up in court for some time, at least?
Exactly my friend, could not agree more.