DFW Sports MIX

We finally made it. And it took us 26 years. The Dallas Mavericks are in the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. Before they go into battle with the Miami Heat, a moment to reflect back to some of the pivital Mavs moments during the 26 year stretch. That first inagural meeting when we faced San Antoino. A team with George Gervin, Artis Gilmore, and other stars taking on a Mavs team with Abdul Jealli, Brad Davis, Tom LeGuard. The miracle thing about that is we won that game. Who knew many years later that we would beat the Spurs to get where we are now. The first playoff year in 1984, and beating Seattle. The memorable Moody Madness game which the Mavs came back to win. Going to the NBA Western Conference finals in 1986 and taking the LA Lakers to the 7 game max.

There were some lean years, and we do mean lean. A decade of no playoff action. A bunch of coaches came and went, so did the players. Not even having Jason Kidd, a rookie of the year winner, along with Jamal Mashburn and Jim Jackson, could not get the Mavs straight. Two people got the Mavs back on winning course. Coach Don Nelson, and new owner Mark Cuban.

Together, the Mavs gradually became a playoff contender. Being the top contenders in the NBA West. The energy became evident with each time the new Mavs came on to the court. With new sucess, a new arena was needed. We said goodbye to Reunion Arena, and say hello to the American Airlines Center. The Mavs success florshed as they get accustomed to the new digs at the AAC. And now in 2006, under the leadership of the Coach of the Year in Avery Johnson, the Mavs are ready to take on Miami. They have overcome a lot this season, and in season’s past.

But the Mavs have battled big time in its 26 year history. These are fun times for the Mavericks and their fans. The best is yet to come.