Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez /Allsport
Looking back at Dallas Mavericks GOAT Dirk Nowitzki’s first 40-point game
The Dallas Mavericks ended a decade long playoff drought when they qualified in 2001. They had a budding superstar in 22-year-old Dirk Nowitzki. He was flanked by Steve Nash, Michael Finley, and Juwan Howard who were all just entering their primes.
The Mavs were not satisfied with making the playoffs. They upset the Utah Jazz in the first round. That meant a Western Conference Semifinal matchup against the rival San Antonio Spurs led by Tim Duncan and David Robinson.