Dallas Mavericks History - 2002 ---- January 2 Placed Shawn Bradley on IR with a bone bruise in his right knee. Bradley was activated 6 days (3 games) later. [He did not have to sit out the mandatory 5 games as his active roster spot was not filled.] Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Chicago 107-97 +10 Nash 24 Nowitzki 9 Artest 29 Michael Finley did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 2nd of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #31, current record: 22-9, streak: won 10; final record: 57-25 ---- January 3 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @New York(OT) 101-108 -7 Nowitzki 30 Nowitzki 16 Camby 26 Game #32, current record: 22-10, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- January 4 The doctors discovered that Joy Nelson, Don Nelson's wife, had breast cancer and would have to undergo surgery. ---- January 5 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L San Antonio 103-105 -2 Nowitzki 28 Nowitzki 14 Duncan 29 Michael Finley re-strained his left hamstring early in the 4th quarter and did not return. Finley would miss the next 11 games due to the injury. Game #33, current record: 22-11, streak: lost 2; final record: 57-25 ---- January 8 The NBA fined Mark Cuban $500,000 comments about the officiating after the Dal-SA game and comments about league head ref Ed Rush (the Dairy Queen comments). It was the largest fine the NBA had handed out to an individual (surpassing the record $250,000 give to Cuban on 1/4/01). Activated Shawn Bradley and placed Michael Finley on IR with a strained left hamstring. Bradley had missed 6 days (3 games) with a bone bruise in his right knee. [He did not have to sit out the mandatory 5 games as his active roster spot was not filled.] Finley was activated 21 days (11 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Denver 95-94 +1 Nowitzki 27 Howard 9 Van_Exel 31 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a bruised right knee (the 4th of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #34, current record: 23-11, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- January 10 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W New York 111-89 +22 Nowitzki 29 Nowitzki 13 Thomas 21 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a bruised right knee (the 5th of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #35, current record: 24-11, streak: won 2; final record: 57-25 ---- January 12 Signed Charlie Bell to a 10-day contract. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Indiana 111-102 +9 Nowitzki 31 Najera 13 JR/RM 18 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a bruised right knee (the 6th of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #36, current record: 25-11, streak: won 3; final record: 57-25 ---- January 14 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @Orlando 87-113 -26 Howard 26 Howard 8 McGrady 26 Game #37, current record: 25-12, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- January 15 Signed Charlie Bell for the rest of the season. Activated Donnell Harvey and placed Charlie Bell on IR with a sprained right ankle. Harvey had missed 17 days (8 games) with a sprained right ankle. Bell was activated 9 days (5 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Atlanta 116-107 +9 Nowitzki 40 Nowitzki 11 Terry 46 Shot 18-40 3-pointers, tying the team record for 3-pointers made. Dirk Nowitzki had 40 points, the 40th time a Mavs player had 40+ points and the 2nd of 11 times Nowitzki had 40+ points with Dallas. Jason Terry (Atl) had 46 points, the 49th time a Mavs opponent had 40+ points. Game #38, current record: 26-12, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- January 16 The NBA named Steve Nash as a contestant for the 3-point Shootout for All-Star Weekend. ---- January 17 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Memphis 108-97 +11 Nowitzki 32 Buckner 9 Gasol 26 Game #39, current record: 27-12, streak: won 2; final record: 57-25 ---- January 19 Hired Sary Benzvi as a player development coach. Benzvi spoke Chinese and would be able to translate instructions to Wang Zhizhi. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Utah 106-103 +3 Nowitzki 34 Buckner 9 Malone 28 Game #40, current record: 28-12, streak: won 3; final record: 57-25 ---- January 21 Joy Nelson (Don Nelson's wife) underwent successful breast cancer surgery. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W New Jersey 113-105 +8 Nowitzki 39 Nowitzki 13 Harris 23 Greg Buckner suffered a strained left calf early in the game. He would miss the next 8 games due to the injury. Don Nelson did not coach due to his wife's surgery (the 1st of 2 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #41, current record: 29-12, streak: won 4; final record: 57-25 ---- January 22 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Houston 113-107 +6 Nash 31 Howard 13 Mobley 35 Greg Buckner did not play due to a strained left calf (the 1st of 8 games he would miss due to the injury). Don Nelson did not coach due to his wife's surgery (the 2nd of 2 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #42, current record: 30-12, streak: won 5; final record: 57-25 ---- January 24 Activated Charlie Bell and placed Greg Buckner on IR with a strained left calf. Bell had missed 9 days (5 games) with a sprained right ankle. Buckner was activated 12 days (5 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Denver 104-97 +7 Nowitzki 26 Howard 13 LaFrentz 24 Game #43, current record: 31-12, streak: won 6; final record: 57-25 ---- January 26 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @LA Clippers 133-112 +21 Nowitzki 28 JH/DN/AG 7 Richards 31 Game #44, current record: 32-12, streak: won 7; final record: 57-25 ---- January 27 Don Nelson and his 4 bench assistants (Del Harris, Donn Nelson, Sidney Moncrief, Charlie Parker) were the selected as coaches for the West team for the All-Star game. Dallas had the 2nd best record at the cutoff date for selection of the All-Star coaches. Sacramento had the best record, but Rick Adelman coached the previous All-Star game and coaches can not coach All-Star games in consecutive years. It was first time the Mavs' coach would coach the All-Star game. ---- January 28 The NBA named Dirk Nowitzki and Allen Iverson (Phi) as Players of the Week for the week ending January 27. Nowitzki averaged 29.5 points and 9.8 rebounds as Dallas went 4-0. Iverson averaged 37 points. ---- January 29 Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki who were named as reserves for the All-Star game. Activated Michael Finley and placed Charlie Bell on IR with a sprained right ankle. Finley had missed 21 days (11 games) with a strained left hamstring. Bell was released 23 days later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L LA Clippers 100-117 -17 DN/SN 22 Griffin 10 McInnis 31 Loss ended a 12 game winning streak vs the Clippers, with the last Clipper win vs Dallas occurring on 3/29/98. Game #45, current record: 32-13, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- January 31 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Houston 95-91 +4 Nash 33 Howard 16 Francis 30 Eduardo Najera did not play due to a sore left knee (the 1st of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #46, current record: 33-13, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ==== February 1 Donnell Harvey suffered a sprained right ankle during practice and would not play again before he was traded on 2/21/02. ---- February 3 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L LA Lakers 94-101 -7 Nash 20 Nowitzki 15 O'Neal 31 Eduardo Najera did not play due to a sore left knee (the 2nd of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #47, current record: 33-14, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- February 5 Activated Greg Buckner and placed Donnell Harvey on IR with a sprained right ankle. Buckner had missed 12 days (5 games) with a strained left calf. Harvey was traded away 16 days later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Indiana(2OT) 141-140 +1 Nowitzki 38 Nowitzki 17 Rose 33 Jamaal Tinsley (Ind) played an opponent record 56 minutes. Eduardo Najera did not play due to a sore left knee (the 3rd of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Greg Buckner did not play due to a strained left calf (the 7th of 8 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #48, current record: 34-14, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- February 6 The NBA fined Juwan Howard $7,500 and suspended him for 1 game for throwing an elbow at Jamaal Tinsley (Ind) during the 2/5/02 Indiana game. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @New Jersey 112-100 +12 Nowitzki 22 Nowitzki 9 Martin 26 Shot 27-27 FT, setting the team record for most free throws made without a miss. Eduardo Najera did not play due to a sore left knee (the 4th of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Greg Buckner did not play due to a strained left calf (the 8th of 8 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #49, current record: 35-14, streak: won 2; final record: 57-25 ---- February 9 Steve Nash finished 3rd in the 3-point shooting contest. Nash advanced to the finals with the 3rd best score in the 1st round (15 points) and had 18 points in the finals. Finalists Predrag Stojakovic and Wesley Person tied with 19 points and Stojakovic had 9 points in the tie-breaker while Person had 5 points. ---- February 10 Steve Nash had 8 points and a team high 9 assists in 24 minutes and Dirk Nowitzki had 12 points and 8 rebounds in the All-Star game as the West beat the East 135-120. The West was coach by Don Nelson. ---- February 12 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Seattle 112-106 +6 Nash 28 JH/DN 9 Lewis 25 Won the 8th straight road game, the longest road winning streak in team history. Game #50, current record: 36-14, streak: won 3; final record: 57-25 ---- February 13 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @Portland 103-114 -11 Nowitzki 27 Nowitzki 8 Wallace 24 Game #51, current record: 36-15, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- February 16 Activated Evan Eschmeyer and placed Greg Buckner on IR with a strained left calf. Eschmeyer had missed 59 days (22 games) with a sprained left ankle. Buckner was activated 17 days (8 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @LA Clippers 110-119 -9 Finley 23 Nowitzki 10 Piatkows 36 Game #52, current record: 36-16, streak: lost 2; final record: 57-25 ---- February 17 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Phoenix 105-92 +13 Nowitzki 20 Nowitzki 10 Marion 27 Scored 21 straight points from 1:57 in the 1st quarter to 8:21 in the 2nd quarter, setting the team record for most consecutive points scored. Game #53, current record: 37-16, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- February 19 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L Minnesota 100-117 -17 Nash 24 Nowitzki 12 Billups 36 Chauncey Billups (Min) scored 24 points in the 3rd quarter, setting the opponent record for most points in a quarter. Dirk Nowitzki played in the game despite suffering from a cold. Game #54, current record: 37-17, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- February 21 Traded Juwan Howard, Tim Hardaway, Donnell Harvey, a 2002 1st round draft pick, and $1 million to Denver for Raef LaFrentz, Nick Van Exel, Avery Johnson, and Tariq Abdul-Wahad. Released Charlie Bell. Bell appeared in 2 games with Dallas. Placed Shawn Bradley (sore right knee) and Adrian Griffin (back spasms) on IR. Bradley was activated 12 days (5 games) later. Griffin was activated 18 days (8 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Boston 98-92 +6 Nowitzki 33 Nowitzki 23 PP/TB 17 Dirk Nowitzki had a 20-20 with 33 points and 23 rebounds. It was the 15th time a Mavs player had a 20-20 and the 1st of 7 times Nowitzki had a 20-20 with Dallas. He also had a 20-20 in the next game, the only time a Mavs player has had back-to-back 20-20s and the only time a Mavs player had back-to-back 20+ rebounding games. It was the 44th time a Mavs player had 20+ rebounds and the 1st of 7 times Nowitzki had 20+ rebounds with Dallas. Game #55, current record: 38-17, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- Februray 23 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Sacramento 111-97 +14 Nash 28 Nowitzki 21 Webber 28 Dirk Nowitzki had a 20-20 with 26 points and 21 rebounds. It was the 16th time a Mavs player had a 20-20 and the 2nd of 7 times Nowitzki had a 20-20 with Dallas. He also had a 20-20 in the previous game, the only time a Mavs players has had back-to-back 20-20s and the only time a Mavs player had back-to-back 20+ rebounding games. It was the 45th time a Mavs player had 20+ rebounds and the 2nd of 7 times Nowitzki had 20+ rebounds with Dallas. Game #56, current record: 39-17, streak: won 2, final record: 57-25 ---- February 26 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Memphis 104-91 +13 Finley 30 Nowitzki 9 Battier 18 Game #57, current record: 40-17, streak: won 3; final record: 57-25 ==== March 2 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L Miami 95-109 -14 Finley 25 MF/EN 7 Jones 26 Game #58, current record: 40-18, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- March 3 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Denver(OT) 116-110 +6 Finley 30 Nowitzki 10 Howard 30 Game #59, current record: 41-18, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- March 5 Activated Shawn Bradley and Greg Buckner and placed Danny Manning (lower back strain) and Tariq Abdul-Wahad (sore left knee) on IR. Bradley had missed 12 days (5 games) with a sore right knee. Buckner had missed 17 days (8 games) with a strained left calf. Manning and Abdul-Wahad spent the rest of the season on IR. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Phoenix 81-77 +4 Nowitzki 30 Nowitzki 20 Tsakalid 15 Dirk Nowitzki had a 20-20 with 30 points and 20 rebounds. It was the 17th time a Mavs player had a 20-20 and the 3rd of 7 times Nowitzki had a 20-20 with Dallas. It was the 46th time a Mavs player had 20+ rebounds and the 3rd of 7 times Nowitzki had 20+ rebounds with Dallas. Game #60, current record: 42-18, streak: won 2; final record: 57-25 ---- March 7 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Toronto 122-103 +19 Nowitzki 35 Najera 7 Carter 19 Steve Nash had 15 assists, the 33rd time a Mavs player had 15+ assists and the 2nd of 6 times Nash had 15+ assists with Dallas. Game #61, current record: 43-18, streak: won 3; final record: 57-25 ---- March 9 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Golden State 107-105 +2 Finley 28 Nowitzki 11 Richards 21 Game #62, current record: 44-18, streak: won 4; final record: 57-25 ---- March 11 Activated Adrian Griffin and placed Evan Eschmeyer on IR with a sore left ankle. Griffin had missed 18 days (8 games) with back spasms. Eschmeyer was activated 22 days (11 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Seattle 119-108 +11 Finley 26 Nowitzki 12 Mason 25 Game #63, current record: 45-18, streak: won 5; final record: 57-25 ---- March 12 USA Basketball named Raef LaFrentz to Team USA, which would compete in the World Championship tournament in Indianapolis in the summer of 2002. ---- March 13 The NBA fined Nate McMillan (Sea) $7,500 for publicly criticizing the refs and fined Rashard Lewis (Sea) $7,500 for verbally abusing the refs and failing to leave the court in a timely manner following the 3/11/02 Dallas-Seattle game. ---- March 14 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @Portland 106-132 -26 Nowitzki 19 SB/EN 5 Wallace 37 Game #64, current record: 45-19, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- March 15 The NBA fined Dale Davis (Por) $12,500 and suspended him for 2 games for throwing a punch at Shawn Bradley during the 3/14/02 Dallas-Portland game. ---- March 16 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Golden State 117-100 +17 DN/RL 30 DN/GB 9 Jamison 20 Game #65, current record: 46-19, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- March 17 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @LA Lakers 103-105 -2 Finley 21 DN/MF 10 O'Neal 28 Game #66, current record: 46-20, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- March 19 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W LA Lakers 114-98 +16 Nash 30 LaFrentz 13 O'Neal 32 Game #67, current record: 47-20, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- March 21 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L San Antonio 102-105 -3 Nowitzki 29 Nowitzki 14 Duncan 32 Nick Van Exel suffered a pulled muscle near his ribs prior to the game, but was able to play through the injury. Game #68, current record: 47-21, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- March 23 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Memphis 111-100 +11 Nowitzki 24 Najera 9 Gasol 23 Late in the 1st quarter, Michael Finley scored his 10,000 career NBA point. Wang Zhizhi left the game in the 4th quarter with a sprained left ankle. He would miss the next game due to the injury. Game #69, current record: 48-21, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- March 25 With the Clippers' loss to San Antonio, Dallas clinched a playoff berth. ---- March 26 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Milwaukee(OT) 112-106 +6 Finley 36 Nowitzki 14 Thomas 22 Adrian Griffin did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the 1st of 3 games he would miss due to the injury). Wang Zhizhi did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the only game he would miss due to the injury). Game #70, current record: 49-21, streak: won 2; final record: 57-25 ---- March 28 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @Minnesota 111-113 -2 Nowitzki 34 DN/SB 8 Szczerbi 26 Adrian Griffin did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the 2nd of 3 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #71, current record: 49-22, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- March 29 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Boston 108-82 +26 Finley 24 LaFrentz 13 Pierce 19 Johnny Newman suffered a strained right hamstring during the 1st half and did not play in the 2nd half. He would miss the next 6 games due to the injury. Adrian Griffin did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the 3rd of 3 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #72, current record: 50-22, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- March 31 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Washington 110-103 +7 Nowitzki 23 DN/RL 12 Hamilton 23 Game #73, current record: 51-22, streak: won 2; final record: 57-25 ==== April 2 Activated Evan Eschmeyer and placed Johnny Newman on IR with a strained right hamstring. Eschmeyer had missed 22 days (11 games) with a sore left ankle. Newman was activated 11 days (5 games) later. ---- April 4 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W LA Clippers 115-90 +25 Nowitzki 25 Eschmeyer 10 Olowokan 19 Adrian Griffin suffered a sprained right ankle during the game. He would miss the next game due to the injury. Game #74, current record: 52-22, streak: won 3; final record: 57-25 ---- April 6 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @San Antonio 87-89 -2 Van_Exel 27 Nowitzki 21 Duncan 33 Dirk Nowitzki had a 20-20 with 26 points and 21 rebounds. It was the 18th time a Mavs player had a 20-20 and the 4th of 7 times Nowitzki had a 20-20 with Dallas. It was the 47th time a Mavs player had 20+ rebounds and the 4th of 7 times Nowitzki had 20+ rebounds with Dallas. Steve Nash did not play in the 2nd half due to a stomach virus. He would not miss any other games due to the injury. Adrian Griffin did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the only game he would miss due to the injury). Game #75, current record: 52-23, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- April 8 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Utah 105-96 +9 MF/NVE 20 Najera 9 Malone 22 Dirk Nowitzki sprained his left ankle late in the 2nd quarter and did not play in the 2nd half. He missed the next 4 games due to the injury. Game #76, current record: 53-23, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- April 9 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Portland 108-96 +12 Finley 27 LaFrentz 11 Wells 26 Dirk Nowitzki did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the 1st of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #77, current record: 54-23, streak: won 2; final record: 57-25 ---- April 11 The NBA fined Scottie Pippen (Por) $7,500 and suspended him for 1 game for throwing a punch at Nick Van Exel during the 4/9/02 Dallas-Portland game. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L Houston(OT) 95-98 -3 Finley 25 Najera 15 Mobley 29 Dirk Nowitzki did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the 2nd of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #78, current record: 54-24, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- April 12 Avery Johnson suffered a bruised left calf. He would miss the rest of the season (4 games) due to the injury. ---- April 13 Activated Johnny Newman and placed Avery Johnson on IR with a bruised left calf. Newman had missed 11 days (5 games) with a strained right hamstring. Johnson spent the rest of the season (4 games) on IR. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Seattle 116-99 +17 Finley 29 Najera 11 Payton 21 Dirk Nowitzki did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the 3rd of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #79, current record: 55-24, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- April 14 With the Sacramento win, Dallas had 56 wins, which surpassed the previous team record for most wins in a season (55). Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Sacramento 113-100 +13 Van_Exel 27 LaFrentz 13 Webber 19 Dirk Nowitzki did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the 4th of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #80, current record: 56-24, streak: won 2; final record: 57-25 ---- April 15 The NBA named Michael Finley and Eric Snow (Phi) as Players of the Week. Finley averaged 24.2 points and 5.8 rebounds as Dallas went 4-1. Snow averaged 17 points and 8 assists as Philadelphia went 3-1. ---- April 16 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Utah 96-87 +9 Finley 35 LaFrentz 10 Malone 24 Raef LaFrentz received 4 stitches above his right eye during the 3rd quarter. He returned to action after getting the stitches. Game #81, current record: 57-24, streak: won 3; final record: 57-25 ---- April 17 Finished the 2001-02 season with a record of 57-25. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @Phoenix 76-89 -13 Wang 12 Eschmeyer 7 Tsakalid 19 Steve Nash did not play in the 2nd half due to a sore back. Game #82, current record: 57-25, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- April 18 A blood clot was found in Avery Johnson's left calf after an MRI exam. He would have been out for at least 3 weeks and, as a result, he was left off the playoff roster. Tariq Abdul-Wahad, Avery Johnson, and Danny Manning were left off the 12-man playoff roster. ---- April 21 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Minnesota 101-94 +7 Nowitzki 30 Nowitzki 15 Billups 25 Minnesota pulled within 85-88 with 3:20 left, but Dallas scored the next 6 points. Dallas shot 8-9 FT in the last minute of the game to preserve the win. Minnesota out-rebounded Dallas 58-39 including 20-4 offensive. Dirk Nowitzki had 30 points and 15 assists, Steve Nash had 21 points, and Nick Van Exel had 18 points. Nowitzki tweaked his right ankle at the end of the game. He did not miss any games due to the injury. Chauncey Billups (Min) had 25 points and 9 assists. Kevin Garnett (Min) had 19 points and 21 rebounds including 7 offensive. It was the 5th time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds in the playoffs and the 1st of 3 times Garnett had 20+ rebounds against Dallas. Game 1: Dallas led series 1-0; Dallas would win series 3-0 ---- April 24 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Minnesota 122-110 +12 Nowitzki 31 Nowitzki 15 Garnett 31 Dallas took their largest lead of the game at 118-99 with 3 minutes left. Dallas shot 11-22 3-pointers. Dallas had just 6 turnovers - setting the team playoff record low. Dirk Nowitzki had 31 points and 15 rebounds, Michael Finley had 28 points, and Steve Nash had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Kevin Garnett (Min) had 31 points including 13-17 FT and 18 rebounds, Chauncey Billups (Min) had 25 points, and Wally Szczerbiak (Min) had 25 points - no other Timberwolf was in double-digits. Game 2: Dallas led series 2-0; Dallas would win series 3-0 ---- April 28 In the first round of the playoffs, Dallas defeated Minnesota 115-102 to sweep the series 3-0 and advance to the second round. It was the first time Dallas ever sweep a playoff series. Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Minnesota 115-102 +13 Nowitzki 39 Nowitzki 17 Garnett 22 Dallas out-scored Minnesota 40-28 in the 1st quarter and Dirk Nowitzki had 17 points. Dallas scored 12 straight points late in the 3rd quarter to take their largest lead at 97-77 with 35 seconds left. Minnesota pulled within 100-104 with 5 minutes left, but Dallas closed the game with an 11-2 run as Minnesota was unable to make a field goal the rest of the way. Dallas shot 32-35 FT and Minnesota shot 30-44 FT. Minnesota had no blocks - the 2nd time an opponent had no blocks in the playoffs. Nowitzki had 39 points on 11-17 FG and 14-16 FT and 17 rebounds, Michael Finley had 30 points and 9 rebounds in playing all 48 minutes, and Steve Nash had 25 points including 10-10 FT and 11 assists - no other Mav was in double-digits. Nick Van Exel had 3 points on just 1-13 FG. Kevin Garnett (Min) had 22 points and 17 rebounds, Wally Szczerbiak (Min) had 20 points, and Anthony Peeler (Min) had 20 points. Adrian Griffin did not play due to back spasms. It was the first time Dallas ever swept a team in the playoffs. Game 3: Dallas won series 3-0 ==== May 1 Dirk Nowitzki was named to the All-NBA 2nd team and Steve Nash was named to the All-NBA 3rd team. Nowitzki received 358 points including 22 1st team votes and Nash received 96 points including 1 1st team vote. ---- May 4 Eduardo Najera suffered a broken right thumb during warmups prior to Game 1 of the Sacramento series, but did play in the game. Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @Sacramento 91-108 -17 Nowitzki 23 Nowitzki 14 Stojakov 26 It was a close game until the 4th quarter where Sacramento out-scored Dallas 26-17. Dallas went scoreless over a 7 minute period during the 4th quarter. Sacramento shot 46.2% FG and Dallas shot 38.9% FG. Sacramento had 27 assists and Dallas had 13 assists. Dirk Nowitzki had 23 points and 14 rebounds and Michael Finley had 21 points. Peja Stojakovic (Sac) had 26 points and 10 rebounds, Chris Webber (Sac) had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Vlade Divac (Sac) had 18 points and 16 rebounds. Adrian Griffin did not play due to back spasms. Game 1: Sacramento led series 1-0; Sacramento would win series 4-1 ---- May 6 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Sacramento 110-102 +8 Nash 30 Nowitzki 15 CW/MB 22 Sacramento tied the game at 93-93 with 4:50 left and Dallas scored the next 8 points to go up 101-93 with 1:30 left. Dallas shot 9-12 FT in the last minute of the game to preserve the win. Dallas shot 48.3% FG and Sacramento shot 40.9% FG. Steve Nash had 30 points including 12-18 FG, Dirk Nowitzki had 22 points and 15 rebounds, Nick Van Exel had 19 points, and Raef LaFrentz had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Webber (Sac) had 22 points and 12 rebounds, Mike Bibby (Sac) had 22 points, and Peja Stojakovic (Sac) had 14 points and 12 rebounds - Sacramento only played 7 players. Game 2: Series tied 1-1; Sacramento would win series 4-1 ---- May 9 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L Sacramento 119-125 -6 Finley 37 LaFrentz 13 Webber 31 The game was tied at the half at 66-66 and at 91-91 after 3. A 3-pointer by Michael Finley pulled Dallas within 112-116 with 1:20 left, but Chris Webber (Sac) scored the next 4 points to give Sacramento a 120-112 lead with 35 seconds left. Peja Stojakovic (Sac) sprained his right ankle midway through the 3rd quarter and did not play the rest of the series. Finley had 37 points, Raef LaFrentz had 24 points including 10-16 FG, Dirk Nowitzki had 19 points, and Steve Nash had 15 points and 15 assists. Nash's 15 assists was the 2nd most in team playoff history [most: 16]. It was the 3rd of 6 times Nash had 15+ assists with Dallas. Mike Bibby (Sac) shot 5-5 3-pointers, which tied 2nd most 3-pointers made without a miss in league playoff history [most: 7-7]. Webber (Sac) had 31 points and 15 rebounds, Bibby (Sac) had 29 points and 9 assists, Doug Christie (Sac) had 20 points, and Vlade Divac (Sac) had 19 points and 13 rebounds including 7 offensive. 14 of Christie's points came in the 4th quarter where he was a perfect 6-6 FG, 2-2 3-pointers, and 6-6 FT. Game 3: Sacramento led series 2-1; Sacramento would win series 4-1 ---- May 11 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L Sacramento(OT) 113-115 -2 Nowitzki 31 Nowitzki 12 Webber 30 Mike Bibby (Sac) drove for 2 to tie the game with 30 seconds left in regulation. Michael Finley missed with 8 seconds left and Bibby (Sac) missed with less than a seconds left and the game went to overtime tied at 109-109. The game was tied at 113-113 with 3:12 left and neither team was able to score over the next 3 minutes (11 straight combined missed shots). Bibby (Sac) drove for 2 with 12 seconds left. Dirk Nowitzki missed a layup attempt was time was running out. Sacramento out-scored Dallas 6-4 in overtime (both Mavs playoff lows). Sacramento shot 31-40 FT and Dallas shot 24-26 FT. It was the 5th Mavs playoff overtime game. Nowitzki had 31 points including 12- 14 FT and 12 rebounds, Finley had 28 points in 52 minutes, and Steve Nash had 24 points and a team playoff record high 9 turnovers. Chris Webber (Sac) had 30 points including 12-15 FG and 10 rebounds, Bobby Jackson (Sac) had 26 points, and Bibby (Sac) had 24 points. Peja Stojakovic (Sac) did not play due to a sprained right ankle. Game 4: Sacramento led series 3-1; Sacramento would win series 4-1 ---- May 13 In the second round of the playoffs, Sacramento defeated Dallas 114-101 to take the series 4-1 and eliminate Dallas from the playoffs. Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @Sacramento 101-114 -13 Nowitzki 32 Nowitzki 12 CW/MB 23 Dallas pulled within 69-70 with 5:35 left in the 3rd quarter, but Sacramento closed the quarter with a 16-4 run to go up 86-73 after 3. Sacramento shot 26-32 FT and Dallas shot 15-20 FT. Dallas set the team playoff record with 58 rebounds. Sacramento had 53 rebounds. Dirk Nowitzki had 32 points and 12 rebounds in playing all 48 minutes and Michael Finley had 26 points. Chris Webber (Sac) had 23 points, Mike Bibby (Sac) had 23 points, and Hedo Turkoglu (Sac) had 20 points and 13 rebounds. Peja Stojakovic (Sac) did not play due to a sprained right ankle. Game 5: Sacramento won series 4-1 ---- May 21 Adrian Griffin underwent successful surgery on his back to remove a herniated disc. ---- May 31 Dirk Nowitzki underwent successful surgery on his left ankle to remove 4 bone spurs. ==== June 5 Wang Zhizhi did not reported to China for mandatory national team training. Wang's strained relationship with China was one of the reasons Dallas did not re-sign him. ---- June 19 Avery Johnson (18 votes) and Steve Nash (16 votes) were selected to the All-Interview 2nd team. ---- June 21 Extended qualifying offers to Raef LaFrentz, Wang Zhizhi, and Eduardo Najera, making all 3 restricted free agents. Dallas would later re-sign LaFrentz and Najera. Wang would eventually sign with the LA Clippers. ---- June 24 Released Danny Manning. ---- June 26 The NBA draft occurred. Dallas selected: Round Pick Player 2nd 55 Mladen Sekularac ==== July 1 Promoted Donn Nelson from director of player personnel to president of basketball operations and gave him a raise to $1 million. The position was in addition to his assistant coaching duties. As a result, Nelson removed his name from consideration for the Denver coaching job. ---- July 25 Unrestricted free agent Rashard Lewis came to Dallas for a recruiting visit. Seattle would re-sign him 9/19/02. Philadelphia signed Dallas free agent Greg Buckner to a 6 year, $18 million contract. ---- July 30 Named Robert Hackett as strength and conditioning coach. Hackett replaced Brett Brungardt who left to become the strength and conditioning coach for the University of Washington's basketball team. Re-signed Raef LaFrentz to a 7 year, $69,973,750 million contract with a player opt-out after the 5th year. ==== August 15 Steve Nash announced that he would not play for Team Canada in the World Championship games. ==== September 6 Added Derek Harper to their TV broadcast crew. Harper joined Matt Pinto and Bob Ortegel. ---- September 7 Spain defeated USA 81-75 in the 5th place game of the World Championship tournament. Raef LaFrentz was the high scorer for USA with 13 points and had 7 rebounds in 23 minutes. Michael Finley had 9 points and 4 rebounds in 25 minutes. USA finished the tournament in 6th place. ---- September 8 Germany defeated New Zealand 117-95 in the Bronze Medal game of the World Championship tournament. Germany finished the tournament in 3rd place - by far the best ever finish for Germany in international competition. Dirk Nowitzki had 29 points including 9-14 FG and 4-4 3-pointers and 8 rebounds in 23 minutes. Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) was named as MVP of the World Championship tournament. Nowitzki averaged 24 points and 8.2 rebounds. He was also one of 5 players named to the All-Tournament team. ---- September 16 Named Sean McCloskey as coordinator of basketball communications. ---- September 19 Seattle re-signed Rashard Lewis, whom Dallas had courted. ---- September 20 Signed Popeye Jones to a 1 year, minimum contract. ---- September 27 Signed Derek Hood and Kipp Christianson to 1 year, non-guaranteed contracts. Both would be released before the season started. ---- September 28 Re-signed Eduardo Najera to a 6 year, $24 million contract with a player opt-out after the 5th year. ---- September 30 Signed Raja Bell and Adam Harrington to 1 year contracts. Both would make the opening day roster. The LA Clippers signed restricted free agent Wang Zhizhi to a 3 year, $6 million offer sheet. Dallas had 15 days to match the offer. Dallas elected not to match the offer and Wang became a Clipper 10/16/02. ==== October 1 Signed restricted free agent Michael Redd to a 4 year, $12 million offer sheet. Milwaukee had 15 days to match the offer. Milwaukee would match the offer 10/14/02 and, thus, Redd would remain with Milwaukee. ---- October 4 Greg Dreiling (developmental coach) underwent surgery to repair his torn left Achilles. ---- October 6 In the annual Blue-White scrimmage, the Blue Team defeated the White Team 78-67. The Blue Team led by a good chunk most of the way and consisted of Eduardo Najera (14 points), Evan Eschmeyer (15 points, 10 rebounds), Raja Bell (11 points), Raef LaFrentz (7 points, 3-14 FG, 9 rebounds, 5 fouls), Avery Johnson (2 points), Adrian Griffin, and Steve Nash (16 points, 7 assists). The White Team consisted of Michael Finley (24 points, 9-13 FG), Dirk Nowitzki (14 points, 4-20 FG, 7 rebounds), Shawn Bradley (8 points, 9 rebounds), Popeye Jones (who left the game with a sprained right ankle), Nick Van Exel (4 points, 6 assists), Derek Hood (3 points), Adam Harrington (8 points), and Kipp Christianson (1 point). Released Kipp Christianson. ---- October 8 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Sacramento 105-94 +11 Nowitzki 26 LaFrentz 15 Bibby 21 ---- October 10 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Denver 91-83 +8 Bradley 19 Najera 8 NH/MB 14 ---- October 11 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @Milwaukee 77-84 -7 Nowitzki 21 Nowitzki 9 Haislip 20 ---- October 14 Milwaukee matched Dallas' 4 year, $12 million contract offer to restricted free agent Michael Redd. Thus, Redd remained with Milwaukee. ---- October 15 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @Detroit 102-106 -4 Nowitzki 37 Nowitzki 9 Hamilton 18 ---- October 17 Did not match the LA Clippers' 3 year, $6 million offer to restricted free agent Wang Zhizhi. Thus, Wang became a Clipper. Signed Walt Williams to a 1 year, minimum contract. Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L Detroit 80-83 -3 Nowitzki 20 Griffin 9 ZR/CW 15 ---- October 18 The NBA fined Dallas $150,000 and suspended Don Nelson and Donn Nelson for the first 2 games of the regular season for contact with players who were ineligible for the NBA draft. The Nelsons attended private workouts in Yugoslavia in June. ---- October 19 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Milwaukee 103-95 +8 Finley 21 Najera 12 Kukoc 19 ---- October 23 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Boston 105-97 +8 Nowitzki 27 Nowitzki 7 Pierce 22 ---- October 24 Finished the 2002 preseason with a record of 5-3. Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Orlando 102-95 +7 Nowitzki 23 RL/SB 7 McGrady 20 ---- October 25 Released Derek Hood. ---- October 28 Placed Tariq Abdul-Wahad (left knee chondromalacia), Adam Harrington (left knee tendinitis), and Popeye Jones (back spasms) on IR. Abdul-Wahad was activated 136 days (63 games) later. Harrington was activated 14 days (6 games) later. Jones was activated 12 days (5 games) later. ---- October 30 Start of the 2002-03 season. Dallas would finish the season with a record of 60-22. Don and Donn Nelson did not attend the Memphis game due to serving the 1st of a 2 game suspension. The 2 watched the game at a local Dave and Busters with about 1,500 fans at what the Mavs were calling "Serving time with the Nelsons" and the Nelsons were dressed in prison outfits. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Memphis 119-108 +11 Nash 24 Nowitzki 11 Giricek 29 Don and Donn Nelson did not coach due to serving a 2 game suspension. Game #1, current record: 1-0, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ==== November 2 Don and Donn Nelson did not attend the Phoenix game due to serving the 2nd of a 2 game suspension. The 2 watched the game Billy Bob's in Fort Worth and it was advertised as "Join the Outlaws". Mark Followill and ESPN 103.3 FM won the Katie Award for Best Play-by-Play Sportscast. Raef LaFrentz suffered a 3rd degree high right ankle sprain early in the 3rd quarter of the Phoenix game. He would miss the next 13 games due to the injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Phoenix 97-83 +14 Nowitzki 22 Bradley 8 Marbury 15 Raef LaFrentz suffered a 3rd degree high right ankle sprain early in the 3rd quarter. He would miss the next 13 games due to the injury. Don and Donn Nelson did not coach due to serving a 2 game suspension. Game #2, current record: 2-0, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ---- November 4 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Golden State 107-100 +7 Nash 30 Nowitzki 13 Richards 39 Raef LaFrentz did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 1st of 13 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #3, current record: 3-0, streak: won 3; final record: 60-22 ---- November 6 Evan Eschmeyer suffered a strained right knee prior to the Toronto game. He would miss the next 45 games due to the injury. He would undergo surgery on the knee 11/19/02. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Toronto 106-92 +14 Nowitzki 28 DN/SB 13 Lenard 20 Raef LaFrentz did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 2nd of 13 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #4, current record: 4-0, streak: won 4; final record: 60-22 ---- November 8 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Chicago 114-87 +27 Nowitzki 24 SB/WW 11 Rose 24 Raef LaFrentz did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 3rd of 13 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #5, current record: 5-0, streak: won 5; final record: 60-22 ---- November 9 Activated Popeye Jones and placed Raef LaFrentz on IR with a sprained right ankle. Jones had missed 12 days (5 games) with back spasms. LaFrentz was activated 21 days (10 games) later. Tied the team record low with 4 turnovers. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Detroit 114-75 +39 Finley 25 Nowitzki 8 Hamilton 19 Tied the team record low with 4 turnovers. Game #6, current record: 6-0, streak: won 6; final record: 60-22 ---- November 11 The NBA named Dirk Nowitzki and Jerry Stackhouse (Was) as Players of the Week for the week ending November 9. Nowitzki averaged 21.8 points and 11 rebounds as Dallas went 4-0. Stackhouse averaged 29 points and 5.8 rebounds was Washington went 3-1. Nick Van Exel underwent surgery on his right knee to repair damaged and torn cartilage. He would miss the next 9 games due to the surgery. Activated Adam Harrington and placed Nick Van Exel on IR for arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Harrington had missed 14 days (6 games) with left knee tendinitis. Van Exel was activated 19 days (9 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Portland 82-73 +9 Nowitzki 26 Bradley 18 Wallace 14 Game #7, current record: 7-0, streak: won 7; final record: 60-22 ---- November 13 Scout Hal Wissel was named as an assistant coach for Memphis under new head coach Hubie Brown. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Cleveland 103-99 +4 Finley 26 Nowitzki 12 Ilgauska 34 Game #8, current record: 8-0, streak: won 8; final record: 60-22 ---- November 15 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Boston 97-86 +11 Nowitzki 32 Nowitzki 9 Walker 22 Game #9, current record: 9-0, streak: won 9; final record: 60-22 ---- November 16 Signed Mark Strickland to a 1 year, minimum contract. Dallas had receive an injury exemption to carry an extra player. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @New Jersey 96-88 +8 Nash 30 Finley 13 Kidd 22 Game #10, current record: 10-0, streak: won 10; final record: 60-22 ---- November 19 Evan Eschmeyer underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to repair damaged cartilage. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W LA Lakers 98-72 +26 Nash 21 Nowitzki 17 Bryant 16 Game #11, current record: 11-0, streak: won 11; final record: 60-22 ---- November 21 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Houston 103-90 +13 Finley 28 Najera 11 Yao 30 Game #12, current record: 12-0, streak: won 12; final record: 60-22 ---- November 23 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Seattle 115-105 +10 MF/DN 29 Finley 11 Payton 20 Game #13, current record: 13-0, streak: won 13; final record: 60-22 ---- November 27 Won their 14th straight game, the 2nd longest winning streak in team history. Michael Finley had 42 points, the 41st time a Mavs player had 40+ points and the only time Finley had 40+ points with Dallas. Ben Wallace (Det) had 24 rebounds, the 56th time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Detroit 102-82 +20 Finley 42 Nowitzki 15 Hamilton 19 Michael Finley had 42 points, the 41st time a Mavs player had 40+ points and the only time Finley had 40+ points with Dallas. Ben Wallace had 24 rebounds, the 56th time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds. Game #14, current record: 14-0, streak: won 14; final record: 60-22 ---- November 28 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @Indiana 98-110 -12 Nash 29 Nowitzki 8 O'Neal 28 Game #15, current record: 14-1, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ---- November 29 Released Mark Strickland. Strickland appeared in 4 games with Dallas. ---- November 30 Activated Nick Van Exel and Raef LaFrentz and placed Evan Eschmeyer (arthroscopic surgery right knee) and Adam Harrington (sprained left knee) on IR. LaFrentz had missed 21 days (10 games) with a sprained right ankle. Van Exel had missed 19 days (9 games) with arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Eschmeyer was activated 73 days (33 games) later. Harrington was activated 10 days (5 games) later. Eduardo Najera was suffering from a sore left knee. He would undergo surgery on the knee 12/6/02. He would miss the next 32 games due to the injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Chicago 103-90 +13 Nash 18 Nowitzki 11 Rose 31 Game #16, current record: 15-1, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ==== December 2 The NBA named Michael Finley, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tracy McGrady (Orl) as Players of the Month for November (includes end of October). It was the first time that 3 players were named Player of the Month for one conference. Finley averaged 21.3 points and 6.9 rebounds, Nowitzki averaged 21.6 points and 11.3 rebounds, and Nash averaged 18.3 points and 7.8 assists as Dallas went 15-1. McGrady averaged 31.9 points and 6.3 rebounds as Orlando went 10-7. The NBA named Don Nelson and Isiah Thomas (Ind) as Coaches of the Month for November. Dallas went 15-1 in November and October. Indiana went 13-2 in November and October. The NBA named Michael Finley as the winner of the Community Assist Award for November. The award recognized players for their community outreach effort. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Toronto 113-102 +11 Nash 25 Bradley 8 AWilliam 27 Game #17, current record: 16-1, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ---- December 4 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Portland 103-88 +15 Nowitzki 26 Nowitzki 15 Wallace 34 Game #18, current record: 17-1, streak: won 3; final record: 60-22 ---- December 6 Eduardo Najera underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He would miss the next 29 games due to the surgery. Lead by 30 points in the 3rd quarter but collapsed as the Lakers won 105-103, the largest lead lost in team history. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @LA Lakers 103-105 -2 Van_Exel 25 Nowitzki 12 Bryant 27 Lead by 30 points in the 3rd quarter but collapsed as the Lakers out-scored Dallas 67-39 the rest of the game, the largest lead lost in team history. Game #19, current record: 17-2, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ---- December 7 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Golden State 121-116 +5 Nowitzki 35 Bradley 11 Jamison 26 Walt Williams did not play due to a sprained right elbow (the 1st of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #20, current record: 18-2, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ---- December 10 Activated Adam Harrington and placed Eduardo Najera on IR with left knee surgery. Harrington had missed 10 days (5 games) with a sprained left knee. Najera was activated 63 days (27 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W LA Clippers 122-95 +27 MF/NVE 24 Bradley 11 Brand 20 Dirk Nowitzki suffered a high left ankle sprain during the 1st quarter and did not play the rest of the game. He would miss the next 2 games due to the injury. Adrian Griffin suffered a partially dislocated right shoulder during the 3rd quarter and did not play the rest of the game. He would miss the next game due to the injury. Walt Williams did not play due to a sprained right elbow (the 2nd of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #21, current record: 19-2, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ---- December 11 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L @San Antonio 104-111 -7 Finley 36 MF/WW 8 Parker 32 Dirk Nowitzki did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the 1st of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Adrian Griffin did not play due to a partially dislocated right shoulder (the only game he would miss due to the injury). Game #22, current record: 19-3, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ---- December 14 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Memphis 104-87 +17 Nash 26 Bradley 18 Giricek 17 Dirk Nowitzki did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the 2nd of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #23, current record: 20-3, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ---- December 17 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Indiana 118-97 +21 Finley 33 Finley 13 O'Neal 20 Game #24, current record: 21-3, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ---- December 18 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @Denver 80-75 +5 Finley 31 Bradley 12 Howard 21 Game #25, current record: 22-3, streak: won 3; final record: 60-22 ---- December 20 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L Utah 81-93 -12 Nowitzki 28 Nowitzki 17 Harpring 19 Game #26, current record: 22-4, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ---- December 23 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W Washington 92-86 +6 Nowitzki 30 Nowitzki 17 Stackhou 28 Game #27, current record: 23-4, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ---- December 26 Steve Nash was named as winner of the Lionel Conacher Award, which was given to Canada's male athlete of the year. Nash received 23 of 111 1st place media votes and had a total of 130 points. The 2nd place winner had 83 points (Jarome Iginla, NHL player). Walt Williams suffered a strained left knee during the 2nd quarter of the New Orleans game and did not return. He would miss the next 4 games due to the injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W @New Orleans 83-81 +2 Nowitzki 23 Van_Exel 11 Wesley 24 Adrian Griffin aggravated his dislocated right shoulder during the 1st quarter and did not return. He would not miss any games due to the injury. Walt Williams suffered a strained left knee during the 2nd quarter and did not return. He would miss the next 4 games due to the injury. Game #28, current record: 24-4, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ---- December 28 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 W New York 107-82 +25 DN/SN 19 DN/SB 9 Sprewell 16 Walt Williams did not play due to a strained left knee (the 1st of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #29, current record: 25-4, streak: won 3; final record: 60-22 ---- December 30 Dirk Nowitzki had 40 points, the 42nd time a Mavs player had 40+ points and the 3rd of 12 times Nowitzki had 40+ points with Dallas. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2002 L Milwaukee 107-110 -3 Nowitzki 40 Nowitzki 14 Cassell 28 Dirk Nowitzki had 40 points, the 42nd time a Mavs player had 40+ points and the 3rd of 11 times Nowitzki had 40+ points with Dallas. Walt Williams did not play due to a strained left knee (the 2nd of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #30, current record: 25-5, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ====