It truly was a game of epic narratives. Derek Harper being solidified in the Mavericks’ rafters forever. Dennis Smith Jr. trying to prove to New York they made a mistake by passing on him for Frank Ntilikina. Kristaps Porzingis matching up with the legend he modeled his game after, Dirk Nowitzki. Before the game even tipped off, there was an unusual amount of buzz surrounding two teams with below .500 records, and rightfully so.
Derek Harper is unquestionably a Mavericks legend on the court and quickly becoming one in the broadcasting booth as well. He was a key cog in some of the very first contending Dallas teams, even pushing Magic Johnson and the “Showtime” Lakers to 7 games in the 1988 Western Conference Finals.