Dallas Mavericks History - 2001 ---- January 3 Due to medication that was making him ill and having to fast for 48 hours before his surgery, Don Nelson did not coach in the Detroit game. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L Detroit 104-107 -3 Finley 35 Nowitzki 12 Stackhou 33 Courtney Alexander did not play due to the flu (the 1st of 3 games he would miss due to the illness). Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 1st of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #33, current record: 20-13, streak: lost 2; final record: 53-29 ---- January 4 Don Nelson underwent successful surgery for prostate cancer. The doctor said that it looks like the cancer had not spread and called the surgery "routine and successful". Nelson would remain in the hospital for the few days. He would then return to his off-season home in Maui while recovering. He would return to coaching on 2/20/01. The NBA fined Mark Cuban $250,000 for outbursts and actions concerning the refs following the Detroit game on 1/3/01. Cuban had a freeze frame of a missed goaltending call that would have tied the game with 12 seconds left placed on the JumboTron at after the game. It was then an NBA record fine for an individual. ---- January 5 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Toronto 115-105 +10 Nowitzki 29 Bradley 14 Carter 33 Courtney Alexander did not play due to the flu (the 2nd of 3 games he would miss due to the illness). Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 2nd of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #34, current record: 21-13, streak: won 1; final record: 53-29 ---- January 6 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Washington 103-85 +18 Nowitzki 28 Bradley 17 JH/FL/RH 16 Courtney Alexander did not play due to the flu (the 3rd of 3 games he would miss due to the illness). Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 3rd of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #35, current record: 22-13, streak: won 2; final record: 53-29 ---- January 7 Don Nelson was released from hospital and flew home to Maui where he would spend a month and a half recovering from prostate cancer surgery. ---- January 8 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Chicago 104-91 +13 Finley 30 MF/DN 10 Brand 23 Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 4th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #36, current record: 23-13, streak: won 3; final record: 53-29 ---- January 10 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Minnesota 106-86 +20 Nowitzki 28 CL/SB 9 Garnett 26 Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 5th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #37, current record: 24-13, streak: won 4; final record: 53-29 ---- January 11 The NBA fined Mark Cuban $100,000 for "decorum not becoming an NBA owner" for sitting on the floor along the baseline during the Minnesota game on 1/10/01. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @Milwaukee 94-102 -8 Finley 30 Laettner 12 Cassell 21 Steve Nash did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 1st of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 6th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #38, current record: 24-14, streak: lost 1; final record: 53-29 ---- January 13 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L Phoenix 86-103 -17 Finley 27 Bradley 13 Marion 23 Steve Nash did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 2nd of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 7th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #39, current record: 24-15, streak: lost 2; final record: 53-29 ---- January 15 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L Sacramento 105-116 -11 Nowitzki 28 Nowitzki 11 Webber 34 Steve Nash did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 3rd of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 8th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #40, current record: 24-16, streak: lost 3; final record: 53-29 ---- January 17 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Charlotte 91-90 +1 Nowitzki 27 Vaught 10 Mashburn 22 Steve Nash did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 4th of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Gary Trent did not play due to the flu (the only game he would miss due to the illness). Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 9th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #41, current record: 25-16, streak: won 1; final record: 53-29 ---- January 18 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Orlando(OT) 115-106 +9 Nowitzki 38 Nowitzki 17 McGrady 34 Steve Nash did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 5th of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 10th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #42, current record: 26-16, streak: won 2; final record: 53-29 ---- January 20 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Denver 97-79 +18 Nowitzki 27 Nowitzki 12 Van_Exel 16 Steve Nash did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 6th of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 11th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #43, current record: 27-16, streak: won 3; final record: 53-29 ---- January 23 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L Philadelphia 98-114 -16 Finley 27 Nowitzki 15 Iverson 30 Michael Finley had 10 steals, setting the team record. His 8 steals in the 1st half set the team record for steals in a half and tied the NBA record. Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 12th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #44, current record: 27-17, streak: lost 1; final record: 53-29 ---- January 25 Activated Greg Buckner and placed Donnell Harvey on IR with tendinitis in his right elbow. Buckner had missed 49 days (24 games) with a sprained right foot. Harvey was activated 28 days (10 games) later. Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash were named as contestants for the 3-point Shootout to take place All-Star weekend. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Vancouver 120-83 +37 Nash 21 Nowitzki 10 SA/MB/MA 13 Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 13th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #45, current record: 28-17, streak: won 1; final record: 53-29 ---- January 27 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @Denver 100-102 -2 Finley 32 Nowitzki 14 NVE/KW 18 Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 14th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #46, current record: 28-18, streak: lost 1; final record: 53-29 ---- January 30 Michael Finley was named as a reserve for the All-Star game. ==== February 1 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Miami(OT) 95-91 +4 Finley 26 Bradley 13 Mason 23 Steve Nash left the game after the 1st quarter due to a sore left hamstring. He would miss the next 4 games due to the injury. Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 15th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Win ended a 16 game lossing streak to Miami, with Dallas last win vs the Heat occurring on 12/10/91. Game #47, current record: 29-18, streak: won 1; final record: 53-29 ---- February 3 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Golden State 101-95 +6 Nowitzki 23 Nowitzki 9 Sura 28 Steve Nash did not play due to a sore left hamstring (the 1st of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 16th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #48, current record: 30-18, streak: won 2; final record: 53-29 ---- February 5 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Atlanta 91-81 +10 DN/HE 22 Nowitzki 11 Terry 21 Dikembe Mutombo (Atl) had 21 rebounds, the 51st time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds and the 2nd of 2 times Mutombo had 20+ rebounds against Dallas. Steve Nash did not play due to a sore left hamstring (the 2nd of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 17th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #49, current record: 31-18, streak: won 3; final record: 53-29 ---- February 7 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @New York(2OT) 93-96 -3 Finley 21 Laettner 8 Sprewell 20 Steve Nash did not play due to a sore left hamstring (the 3rd of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 18th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #50, current record: 31-19, streak: lost 1; final record: 53-29 ---- February 10 Dirk Nowitzki finished 3rd in the 3-Point Shootout. Nowitzki had 17 points in the first round and 10 points in the finals round (Ray Allen (Mil) won with 19 points and Predrag Stojakovic (Sac) finished 2nd with 17 points). Steve Nash finished 5th with 14 points. ---- February 11 Michael Finley had 12 points and 5 assists in 19 minutes in the All-Star game. The East defeated the West 111-110. ---- February 13 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @San Antonio 92-104 -12 Nowitzki 30 Nowitzki 10 Duncan 28 Steve Nash did not play due to a sore left hamstring (the 4th of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 19th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #51, current record: 31-20, streak: lost 2; final record: 53-29 ---- February 15 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Cleveland 102-81 +21 MF/DN 17 Nowitzki 15 AM/JJ 14 Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 20th of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #52, current record: 32-20, streak: won 1; final record: 53-29 ---- February 16 The NBA fined Mark Cuban $10,000 and suspended him for the next 2 games for entering the court at the end of the Cleveland game on 2/15/01 (it was an automatic fine and suspension for a team official entering the court). Etan Thomas underwent surgery on his right toe to fuse together a fracture. He would miss the rest of the season due to his injury. ---- February 17 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Washington 112-105 +7 Finley 26 Nowitzki 10 Howard 27 Donn Nelson coach his last game while filling in for his father, who underwent prostate cancer surgery on 1/4/01. He finished with a record of 13-8. Don Nelson did not coach due to undergoing prostate cancer surgery (the 21st of 21 games he would miss due to the surgery). Game #53, current record: 33-20, streak: won 2; final record: 53-29 ---- February 20 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L LA Lakers 109-119 -10 Nash 31 Nowitzki 8 O'Neal 29 Don Nelson coached his first game since undergoing prostate cancer surgery on 1/4/01. Game #54, current record: 33-21, streak: lost 1; final record: 53-29 ---- February 22 Traded Christian Laettner, Courtney Alexander, Loy Vaught, Hubert Davis, Etan Thomas, and $3 million to Washington for Juwan Howard, Calvin Booth, Obinna Ekezie. Booth underwent surgery on his left elbow on 2/19/01 to remove bone particles and would be out a month. Activated Eduardo Najera and Donnell Harvey. Najera had missed 77 days (29 games) with a strained right groin. Harvey had missed 28 days (10 games) with tendinitis in his right elbow. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Boston 98-91 +7 Nowitzki 23 Najera 12 Pierce 23 Game #55, current record: 34-21, streak: won 1; final record: 53-29 ---- Februray 23 Placed Calvin Booth on IR with an injured left elbow. Booth was activated 26 days (12 games) later. ---- February 24 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L San Antonio 104-107 -3 Nash 29 Nowitzki 9 Duncan 31 Game #56, current record: 34-22, streak: lost 1; final record: 53-29 ---- February 26 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @LA Clippers 103-92 +11 Finley 23 Bradley 10 Odom 22 Game #57, current record: 35-22, streak: won 1; final record: 53-29 ---- February 27 Placed Obinna Ekezie on IR with a sprained left ankle. Ekezie was activated 25 days (11 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Vancouver 116-112 +4 Nowitzki 31 Nowitzki 6 A-Rahim 36 Had just 24 rebounds, tying the team record low. Game #58, current record: 36-22, streak: won 2; final record: 53-29 ---- February 28 Signed Vernon Maxwell for the rest of the season. ==== March 3 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Houston 100-95 +5 Finley 27 Nowitzki 13 Olajuwon 27 Game #59, current record: 37-22, streak: won 3; final record: 53-29 ---- March 5 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @Orlando 81-95 -14 Nowitzki 22 Nowitzki 14 McGrady 23 Greg Buckner did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the 1st of 3 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #60, current record: 37-23, streak: lost 1; final record: 53-29 ---- March 7 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Miami 93-86 +7 Nowitzki 29 JH/DN 14 Mason 25 Greg Buckner did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the 2nd of 3 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #61, current record: 38-23, streak: won 1; final record: 53-29 ---- March 9 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Golden State 102-73 +29 Nowitzki 32 Bradley 20 Jamison 16 Shawn Bradley had 20 rebounds, the 43rd time a Mavs player had 20+ rebounds and the 2nd of 2 times Bradley had 20+ rebounds with Dallas. Greg Buckner did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the 3rd of 3 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #62, current record: 39-23, streak: won 2; final record: 53-29 ---- March 11 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W LA Clippers 111-93 +18 Nowitzki 22 Bradley 11 Richards 15 Game #63, current record: 40-23, streak: won 3; final record: 53-29 ---- March 13 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W New Jersey 122-98 +24 Howard 27 Howard 9 Newman 18 Game #64, current record: 41-23, streak: won 4; final record: 53-29 ---- March 15 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Minnesota 103-83 +20 Finley 22 Nowitzki 14 Garnett 28 Gary Trent did not play due to a bruised right knee (the 1st of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #65, current record: 42-23, streak: won 5; final record: 53-29 ---- March 17 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Phoenix 109-99 +10 Nowitzki 34 Howard 14 Kidd 32 Gary Trent did not play due to a bruised right knee (the 2nd of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #66, current record: 43-23, streak: won 6; final record: 53-29 ---- March 20 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L Portland 88-96 -8 Finley 24 Nowitzki 13 Wallace 18 Gary Trent sprained his left toe prior to the game. He would miss the rest of the season due to the injury. Game #67, current record: 43-24, streak: lost 1; final record: 53-29 ---- March 21 Activated Calvin Booth and placed Gary Trent on IR with a sprained left toe. Booth had missed 26 days (12 games) with an injured left elbow. Trent missed the rest of the season due to his injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @Minnesota 97-109 -12 Nowitzki 30 Bradley 7 Garnett 28 Game #68, current record: 43-25, streak: lost 2; final record: 53-29 ---- March 24 Activated Obinna Ekezie and placed Donnell Harvey on IR with tendinitis in his right elbow. Ekezie had missed 25 days (11 games) with a sprained left ankle. Harvey was activated 13 days (7 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Charlotte 103-100 +3 Finley 31 Bradley 12 EC/DW 25 Game #69, current record: 44-25, streak: won 1; final record: 53-29 ---- March 26 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Utah 98-90 +8 Finley 33 Nowitzki 13 Malone 21 Game #70, current record: 45-25, streak: won 2; final record: 53-29 ---- March 27 Assistant coach Rolando Blackman suffered a torn left Achilles tendon while playing 3-on-3 during practice. ---- March 28 Placed Mark Bryant on IR with a sprained left thumb. Bryant was activated 9 days (5 games) later. With the win over Portland, Dallas set the then team record of most road wins in a season at 21. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Portland 94-84 +10 Howard 24 Nowitzki 14 Sabonis 19 Juwan Howard dislocated his left ring finger at the end of the game. He did not miss any games due to his injury. Game #71, current record: 46-25, streak: won 3; final record: 53-29 ---- March 30 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @LA Lakers 89-98 -9 Nowitzki 24 Nowitzki 9 O'Neal 35 Game #72, current record: 46-26, streak: lost 1; final record: 53-29 ==== April 1 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Sacramento 119-107 +12 Howard 32 Howard 12 Webber 27 Game #73, current record: 47-26, streak: won 1; final record: 53-29 ---- April 3 With the win vs Houston, Dallas formally clinched a playoff berth. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Houston 109-97 +12 Finley 27 Nowitzki 9 Mobley 28 Greg Buckner suffered a dislocated knee cap during the 2nd quarter. He would miss the rest of the season due to the injury. Game #74, current record: 48-26, streak: won 2; final record: 53-29 ---- April 4 Signed Wang Zhizhi to a 1 year, minimum with a 2nd year at the team's option. ---- April 5 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Atlanta 108-94 +14 Howard 20 Bradley 15 Mohammed 23 Game #75, current record: 49-26, streak: won 3; final record: 53-29 ---- April 6 Activated Mark Bryant and Donnell Harvey and placed Greg Buckner (dislocated left kneecap) and Obinna Ekezie (strained left Achilles) on IR. Bryant had missed 9 days (5 games) with a sprained left thumb. Harvey had missed 13 days (7 games) with tendinitis in his right elbow. Buckner and Ekezie missed the last 7 games due to their injuries. ---- April 7 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L Utah 103-116 -13 Howard 24 Nowitzki 9 Malone 31 Game #76, current record: 49-27, streak: lost 1; final record: 53-29 ---- April 10 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @San Antonio 79-91 -12 Finley 25 Booth 11 Robinson 34 Game #77, current record: 49-28, streak: lost 2; final record: 53-29 ---- April 11 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @Phoenix 106-111 -5 Finley 34 Nowitzki 11 Marion 38 Game #78, current record: 49-29, streak: lost 3; final record: 53-29 ---- April 13 The NBA fined Mark Cuban $100,000 and suspended him for 1 game for making an obscene gesture towards the refs during the Phoenix game and his comments about the officiating after the game on 4/11/01. Cuban said that the gesture was a choking sign (hands on throat). Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Sacramento 101-97 +4 Finley 31 Bradley 15 Webber 24 Game #79, current record: 50-29, streak: won 1; final record: 53-29 ---- April 15 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Seattle(OT) 107-99 +8 Finley 26 Nowitzki 15 Payton 23 Game #80, current record: 51-29, streak: won 2; final record: 53-29 ---- April 16 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Golden State 110-101 +9 Howard 30 Bradley 9 Jamison 31 Game #81, current record: 52-29, streak: won 3; final record: 53-29 ---- April 18 Finished the 2000-01 season with a record of 53-29. It was Dallas' first winning season since 1989-90. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Minnesota 120-100 +20 Finley 24 Nowitzki 8 Billups 21 Game #82, current record: 53-29, streak: won 4; final record: 53-29 ---- April 19 Gary Trent, Obinna Ekezie, and Donnell Harvey were left off of Dallas' 12-man playoff roster. ---- April 21 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @Utah 86-88 -2 Finley 26 Nowitzki 12 Malone 26 2 free throws by Steve Nash gave Dallas an 86-82 lead with 1:12 left. Danny Manning (Uta) swished a 3-pointer with 58 seconds left. Dallas missed and John Stockton (Uta) was fouled on the other end. He hit both free throws to give Utah an 87-86 lead with 26 seconds left. Karl Malone (Uta) stripped Dirk Nowitzki inside and Donyell Marshall (Uta) was intentionally fouled with 3.3 seconds left. Marshall hit 1-2 FT and Michael Finley's 3-point attempt was short at the buzzer. Coach Don Nelson was ejected during the 4th quarter - the first time someone (either team) was ejected during a Mavs playoff game. Mavs owner Mark Cuban complained to the league about the shot clock operator incorrectly starting and stopping the clock in a couple of instances. The league acknowledge that errors were made, specifically that there should have been 4.1 seconds left for Dallas' final play instead of 3.3 seconds. The next season the league assigned time keepers to work playoff games instead of the home team supplying the time keeper. Finley had 26 points, Nowitzki had 20 points and 12 rebounds, and Nash had 20 points. Finley and Nowitzki both played all 48 minutes - previously, only Roy Tarpley (in 1990) had played all 48 minutes in a playoff game. Malone (Uta) had 26 points, Bryon Russell (Uta) had 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Stockton (Uta) had 12 points and 18 assists - 3rd most by an opponent in the playoffs. It was Dallas' first playoff game in 11 years. Game 1: Utah led series 1-0; Dallas would win series 3-2 ---- April 24 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @Utah 98-109 -11 Finley 32 DN/SB 8 Malone 34 Dirk Nowitzki converted a 4-point play (1st ever by a Mav in a playoff game) to pull Dallas within 87-90 with 6 minutes left. But Utah then went on a 12-2 run to pull away. Vernon Maxwell was ejected early in the 3rd quarter, becoming the 1st Mav player ever ejected in a playoff game, and Olden Polynice (Uta) was ejected with a flagrant foul at the same time Maxwell was, becoming the 1st Mav opponent ever ejected in a playoff game. There were 10 total technical fouls call - 7 on Dallas (including 3 illegal defenses) and 3 on Utah (including 1 illegal defense). Utah shot 40-45 FT and Dallas shot 36-46 FT. The game also held one of the funniest moments I have seen in a ball game. Early in the 2nd quarter, Maxwell set a pick in the paint. Danny Manning (Uta) bumped into him coming through the paint. Both went flying in opposite directions. Manning won the acting award as the call went against Maxwell. Michael Finley had 32 points and Steve Nash had 20 points. Karl Malone (Uta) had 34 points and Bryon Russell (Uta) had 24 points. John Starks (Uta) did not play due to a "minor medical procedure" [he had a testicle removed due to inflammation]. Game 2: Utah led series 2-0; Dallas would win series 3-2 ---- April 28 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Utah 94-91 +3 Nowitzki 33 Howard 11 Malone 29 A 3-pointer by Danny Manning (Uta) and 2 free throws by Karl Malone (Uta) pulled Utah within 87-88 with 2 minutes left. A layup by John Stockton (Uta) gave Utah their 1st lead since the 1st quarter at 91-90 with 34 seconds left. Steve Nash hit a fade away 10-footer with 23 seconds left. Utah fumbled the ball away and Michael Finley was intentionally fouled with 8 seconds left. He hit both free throws. Stockton (Uta) missed a 3-pointer with 5 seconds left. Dallas shot 26-30 and Utah shot 8-11 FT. Nash left the game midway through the 3rd quarter to get 10 stitches in his forehead after bumping heads with Stockton (he returned later). Dirk Nowitzki had 33 points including 13-14 FT and 11 rebounds and Juwan Howard had 18 points and 11 rebounds. Nowitzki played all 48 minutes - the 4th time in team playoff history a Mav played all 48 minutes. Stockton (Uta) had a triple-double (amazingly his first of his career) with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was the 5th time a Mavs opponent had a triple-double in the playoffs. Malone (Uta) had 29 points and 13 rebounds and Manning (Uta) had 19 points. Game 3: Utah led series 2-1; Dallas would win series 3-2 ==== May 1 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Utah 107-77 +30 Nowitzki 33 Finley 12 Malone 25 Utah led 24-17 after the 1st quarter, but Dallas out-scored them 90-53 in the last 3 quarters. John Starks (Uta) was ejected early in the 4th quarter. Dallas shot 13-25 3-pointers. 77 points by Utah set the then opponent playoff record low (since lowered). 30 points is the Mavs' largest playoff win in team history. Dirk Nowitzki had 33 points, Steve Nash had 27 points, and Michael Finley had 20 points and 12 rebounds (the only Mavs in double-digits). Karl Malone (Uta) had 25 points, David Benoit (Uta) had 12 points, and Danny Manning (Uta) had 10 points (all the Jazz players in double-digits). Game 4: Series tied 2-2; Dallas would win series 3-2 ---- May 3 2001 In the first round of the playoffs, Dallas defeated Utah 84-83 to take the series 3-2 and advance to the second round. It was only the 13th time in league history that a team that was down 0-2 came back and won the series (7th time as a best-of-5 series). Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Utah 84-83 +1 Finley 33 Howard 8 Malone 24 Utah led 48-33 at the half - 33 points is the fewest points Dallas has scored in a playoff half. Michael Finley was carrying Dallas through 3 quarters and his 13 points in the 3rd quarter was Dallas' only points during the last 7:30 of the quarter. Utah led 71-57 after 3. Dallas went on a 12-0 run to pull within 73-75 with 7:20 left and the game stayed close the rest of the way. Utah led 83-82 with 2 minutes left and neither team was able to score over the next 1 1/2 minutes. John Stockton (Uta) was defending Finley and when Danny Manning (Uta) came over to double, Finley found a wide-open Calvin Booth under the basket and Booth got the layup to give Dallas a 84-83 lead with 9.6 seconds left - Dallas' first lead since 1:40 into the 1st quarter. Bryon Russell's (Uta) 3-point attempt bounced off the front of the rim, Stockton (Uta) got the rebound and touch-passed to Karl Malone (Uta), but his fade-away jumper missed at the buzzer. Dallas out-scored Utah 27-12 in the 4th quarter. Dallas led for just 29 seconds in the game. Dallas shot 39.7% FG and Utah shot 39.2% FG. Steve Nash sprained his ankle during the game and continued playing and Malone was playing despite a strained lower back. Finley had 33 points, Juwan Howard had 19 points, and Dirk Nowitzki had 18 points including 10-10 FT (and played the entire 4th quarter with 5 fouls). Finley played all 48 minutes - the 5th time in team playoff history a Mav played all 48 minutes. Malone (Uta) had 24 points and 10 rebounds and Russell (Uta) had 15 points. Only the 13th time in league history that a team that was down 0-2 came back and won the series (7th time as a best-of-5 series). Game 5: Dallas won series 3-2 ---- May 5 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @San Antonio 78-94 -16 Finley 17 Bradley 12 Duncan 31 San Antonio out-scored Dallas 16-11 in the 1st quarter - 11 points set the then team playoff record for fewest points in a quarter [now 3rd lowest with 9 points being the lowest, still lowest for the 1st quarter]. San Antonio led 76-53 after 3 quarters and the 4th quarter was pure garbage time. San Antonio shot 24-37 FT and Dallas shot 15-17 FT. Juwan Howard was ejected at the end of the 2nd quarter for a flagrant foul where he went to block a dunk attempt by Derek Anderson (SA) and sent Anderson sprawling. Anderson suffered a separated shoulder and missed the rest of the series. Michael Finley had 17 points and Howard Eisley had 16 points (no other Mav was in double-digits. Tim Duncan (SA) had 31 points and 13 rebounds, Antonio Daniels (SA) had 13 points, and David Robinson (SA) had 11 points and 11 rebounds (no other Spurs was in double-digits). Game 1: San Antonio led series 1-0; San Antonio would win series 4-1 ---- May 7 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @San Antonio 86-100 -14 Finley 24 Howard 11 Duncan 25 San Antonio used a 18-4 run during the 3rd quarter to go up 68-51 with 4:30 left. Dallas did pull within 8 points early in the 4th quarter, but were unable to get any closer. San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich was ejected during the 2nd quarter (complaining about a questionable flagrant foul). San Antonio shot 51.9% FG and Dallas shot 34.2% FG. San Antonio shot 8-12 FT and Dallas shot 25-29 FT. Michael Finley had 24 points and Dirk Nowitzki had 19 points. Tim Duncan (SA) had a 20-20 with 25 points and 22 rebounds. It was the 2nd time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20 in the playoffs and the 1st of 4 times Duncan had a 20-20 against Dallas. 22 rebounds was the 3rd most by an opponent in team playoff history, the 3rd time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds in the playoffs, and the 1st of 4 times Duncan had 20+ rebounds against Dallas. David Robinson (SA) had 18 points and Terry Porter (SA) had 15 points and 9 assists. Game 2: San Antonio led series 2-0; San Antonio would win series 4-1 ---- May 9 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L San Antonio 90-104 -14 Nowitzki 15 Buckner 12 Robinson 19 San Antonio out-scored Dallas 30-11 in the 3rd quarter to go up 78-54 after 3. 11 points tied Dallas' playoff team record low for points in a quarter. San Antonio shot 48% FG and Dallas shot 34.7% FG. Dirk Nowitzki played despite suffering from food poisoning. Nowitzki had 15 points and Greg Buckner had 14 points and 12 rebounds. David Robinson (SA) had 19 points and 14 rebounds and Tim Duncan (SA) had 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 turnovers. Game 3: San Antonio led series 3-0; San Antonio would win series 4-1 ---- May 12 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W San Antonio 112-108 +4 Nowitzki 30 Nowitzki 9 Duncan 29 Dirk Nowitzki took an inadvertent elbow to the mouth early in the 4th quarter and lost his right front tooth. He briefly went to the locker room and ended up only missing 33 seconds of game time. Dallas led 105-99 with 2:30 left and Tim Duncan (SA) scored the next 4 points to pull San Antonio within 103-105 with 1:45 left. Neither team scored over the next minute. Shawn Bradley got an offensive rebound with 40 seconds left and Dallas ran some more time off the clock. Michael Finley hit a 16-foot jumper with 21 seconds left. Terry Porter (SA) got the quick layup with 16 seconds left. Finley hit 1-2 free throws. Antonio Daniels drove for the quick slam with 7 seconds left. Nowitzki hit 2 free throws to give Dallas a 110-107 with 6 seconds left. Dallas intentionally fouled Duncan (SA) and Duncan (SA) hit the first and unintentionally missed the 2nd and the ball eventually ended up in Sean Elliott's (SA) hands, but Greg Buckner got the block and saved the ball to Finley. Finley's 2 free throws with 2 seconds capped the scoring. For the first time in the series, Dallas shot better than 40% FG. Dallas shot 48.4% FG and San Antonio shot 48.7% FG. Dallas shot 18-19 FT and San Antonio shot 29-41 FT. Dallas had a team playoff record low of just 7 turnovers. Nowitzki had 30 points and 9 rebounds, Finley had 25 points and 10 assists, and Steve Nash had 10 points and 14 assists (then the 2nd most assists in team playoff history, now the 3rd). Finley played all 48 minutes (the 6th time a Mav played all 48 in the playoffs). Duncan (SA) had 29 points including 11-19 FT and 18 rebounds, David Robinson (SA) had 25 points and 13 rebounds, and Daniels (SA) had 18 points. Game 4: San Antonio led series 3-1; San Antonio would win series 4-1 ---- May 14 In the second round of the playoffs, San Antonio defeated Dallas 105-87 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 2001 L @San Antonio 87-105 -18 Nowitzki 42 Nowitzki 18 Duncan 32 San Antonio led 32-21 after 1 and 57-41 at the half as Dallas' shooting struggles killed them. Dallas never got closer than 11 points the rest of the game. San Antonio shot 51.9% FG and Dallas shot 36.7% FG. Dallas missed all 11 3-pointers they attempted. Dirk Nowitzki had 42 points. It was the 3rd time a Mavs player had 40+ points in the playoff and the 1st of 12 times Nowitzki had 40+ points with Dallas. He shoot 14-18 FT and had 18 rebounds. Juwan Howard had 14 points and 12 rebounds and Michael Finley had just 2 points on 1-17 FG. Tim Duncan (SA) had his 2nd 20-20 of the series with 32 points and 20 rebounds. It was the 3rd time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20 in the playoffs and the 2nd of 4 times Duncan had a 20-20 against Dallas. It was the 4th a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds in the playoffs and the 2nd of 4 times Duncan had 20+ rebounds against Dallas. Antonio Daniels (SA) had 19 points and David Robinson (SA) had 16 points and 14 rebounds. Game 5: San Antonio won series 4-1 ---- May 22 Steve Nash was named to the All-Interview 2nd team. Nash received 12 of the 124 media votes. ---- May 30 Radio broadcast was moved from KLIF 570 to KESN 103.3 FM (ESPN radio). KLIF had broadcast Mavs game for the previous 7 seasons. For TV, KSTR 49 dropped broadcasting games as they were switching to an all Spanish format. KTVT channel 11 would air 5 games and KTXA channel 21 would air 25 games for 2001-02. The rest of the games would be aired on Fox Sports Net (as they had been in the past). ---- May 31 Dirk Nowitzki was named to the All-NBA Third Team. Nowitzki received 56 points (the 124 media panel votes for a first, second, and third team by position with a first team vote worth 5 points (he didn't receive any first team votes), a second team vote worth 3 points, and a third team vote worth 1 point). ==== June 19 Michael Finley opted-out of his contract. Finley would be re-signed 7/23/01. ---- June 21 Shawn Bradley underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to repair torn cartilage. ---- June 27 The NBA draft occurred. Dallas selected: Round Pick Player 2nd 44 Kyle Hill 2nd 54 Kenny Satterfield ---- June 29 Exercised their 2nd year option for Eduardo Najera. ==== July 5 Mavs TV broadcaster Jim Durham received a full time offer from ESPN. Durham had broadcasting for Dallas for the past 7 seasons. Mavs radio broadcaster Matt Pinto replaced Durham and Mark Followill replaced Pinto on the radio. Bob Ortegel remained as the TV color man. ---- July 23 Re-signed Michael Finley to a 7 year, $102,265,625 contract (maximum) with a player opt-out after the 5th year. ---- July 24 Gary Trent underwent knee surgery. ---- July 27 Signed Adrian Griffin to a 2 year, $1,203,285 contract (minimum). ---- July 31 Seattle signed Dallas restricted free agent Calvin Booth to a 6 year, $34 million contract. Because the 1st year of the contract was worth $4,539,000 and the maximum Dallas had available to offer Booth was $4,538,000, Dallas was unable to match the offer. Signed Danny Manning to a 2 year, $3.2 million contract. ==== August 1 San Antonio signed Dallas free agent Mark Bryant. ---- August 2 Signed Khalid El-Amin and Darrick Martin. El-Amin would be released before the season started. ---- August 8 Kiki Vandeweghe signed a 5 year contract to be Denver's GM. Vandeweghe was Dallas' director of player development for the previous 2 season. Re-signed Shawn Bradley to a 7 year, $30 million contract with a player opt-out after 5 years. Signed Evan Eschmeyer to a 6 year, $20 million offer sheet. As a restricted free agent, New Jersey had 15 days to match the offer, but elected not to do so and Eschmeyer official became a Mav 8/25/01. ---- August 10 ---- August 17 The 8/10/01 Houston-New York-Dallas (Howard Eisley) trade finally became official after Houston extorted $1 million each from New York and Dallas. Houston was threatening to cancel the deal over concerns about Glen Rice's health. Once a trade takes place, the players must pass a physical by their new team within a week or the trade can be voided over medical concerns. ---- August 22 In a sign-and-trade, Miami traded Tim Hardaway to Dallas for a 2nd round draft pick in 2003 or 2004. Hardaway was first signed to a 3 year, $10 million contract with the 3rd year of the contract at Dallas' option. Dallas used the trade exception they received in the 8/10/01 Howard Eisley trade to make this deal work. ---- August 25 The 15 day waiting period for restricted free agent Evan Eschmeyer passed without New Jersey matching Dallas' contract offer and Eschmeyer officially became a Maverick. ---- August 26 Canada defeated Puerto Rico 102-95 in the Tournament of the Americas to win the Bronze medal. Steve Nash had 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists in the game. ==== September 4 Reached a verbal agreement with Dirk Nowitzki for a 6 year, maximum extension. The extension was not be formally signed until 10/23/01. ---- September 25 Traded the rights to Kenny Satterfield to Denver for a future 2nd round draft pick or future considerations. ==== October 1 The LA Clippers signed Dallas free agent Obinna Ekezie. Signed Ruben Wolkowyski and Chris Robinson to 1 year, non-guaranteed contracts. Robinson would be released before the season started. ---- October 2 Muggsy Bogues did not report for training camp. He would be released 10/29/01. Minnesota signed Dallas free agent Gary Trent. Darrick Martin broke the 3rd metacarpal bone in his right hand during the first day of practice. Martin would be out until 11/13/01 due to the injury. ---- October 7 In the annual Blue-White scrimmage, the White team defeated the Blue team 82-77. The White team included Dirk Nowitzki, Juwan Howard, Shawn Bradley, and Tim Hardaway, while the Blue team had Michael Finley, Steve Nash, Evan Eschmeyer, Donnell Harvey, and Danny Manning. The game consisted of 4 10 minute quarters. Nowitzki had 24 points, Howard had 27 points, Finley had 21 points, and Nash had 17 points and 12 assists. ---- October 8 Released Chris Robinson. ---- October 9 Played 1st pre-season season game in the American Airlines Center. Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Philadelphia 96-87 +9 Nowitzki 16 Howard 10 MH/RB 21 Played 1st regular season game in the American Airlines Center. ---- October 11 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Houston 115-110 +5 El-Amin 23 Nowitzki 16 Francis 34 ---- October 12 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L Boston 96-98 -2 Nowitzki 23 Howard 11 Pierce 32 ---- October 14 Named Paul Mokeski as a special assistant coach. Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @Sacramento 88-107 -19 Griffin 14 Harvey 9 Stojakov 21 ---- October 16 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Denver 112-80 +32 Nash 22 Bradley 7 Hamilton 14 ---- October 19 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L LA Clippers 99-101 -2 Nowitzki 21 Howard 10 Brand 19 ---- October 20 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Denver 94-88 +6 Finley 23 JH/DN/AG 7 McCloud 18 ---- October 23 Finished the 2001 preseason with a record of 5-3. Signed Dirk Nowitzki to a 6 year, estimated $85 million contract (maximum) extension with a player opt-out after 4 years. The exact amount of the extension would not be determined until the 02-03 salary cap amount was determined. Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Orlando 113-104 +9 Griffin 22 MF/AG 9 Hill 27 ---- October 26 Darrick Martin had the hard cast removed from his right hand and replaced with a splint. ---- October 27 Adrian Griffin injured his back during practice and would miss the first 7 games of the season due to back spasms. ---- October 29 Released Khalid El-Amin and Muggsy Bogues. Placed Darrick Martin (broken right hand), Eduardo Najera (left knee tendinitis), and Ruben Wolkowyski (sprained right ankle) on IR. Martin was activated 15 days (7 games) later. Najera was activated 10 days (5 games) later. Wolkowyski was released 29 days later. ---- October 30 Start of the 2001-02 season. Dallas would finish the season with a record of 57-25. Played 1st regular season game in the American Airlines Center. Greg Buckner aggravated his sprained right ankle during the 1st quarter of the Detroit game and did not play the rest of the game. He would miss the next 6 games due to the injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Detroit 94-87 +7 Finley 34 Howard 10 Stackhou 27 Played 1st regular season game in the American Airlines Center. Adrian Griffin did not play due to back spasms (the 1st of 7 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #1, current record: 1-0, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ==== November 1 Michael Finley was 1 of 7 players selected for Team USA which would compete in the World Championship games in Indianapolis 8/29/02 - 9/8/02. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Philadelphia 99-92 +7 Nowitzki 30 Nowitzki 13 Harpring 21 Greg Buckner did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 1st of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Adrian Griffin did not play due to back spasms (the 2nd of 7 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #2, current record: 2-0, streak: won 2; final record: 57-25 ---- November 2 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @Toronto 92-109 -17 MF/TH 17 Howard 11 Carter 25 Greg Buckner did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 2nd of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Adrian Griffin did not play due to back spasms (the 3rd of 7 games he would miss due to the injury). Dirk Nowitzki suffered a sprained left ankle midway through the 1st quarter and did not return. He would miss the next game due to the injury. Game #3, current record: 2-1, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- November 4 Lorenzen Wright (Mem) had a 20-20 with 33 points and 26 rebounds. It was the 30th time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20. It was the 8th time a Mavs opponent had 25+ rebounds. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Memphis 94-85 +9 Howard 36 Manning 11 Wright 33 Lorenzen Wright had a 20-20 with 33 points and 26 rebounds. It was the 30th time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20. It was the 8th time a Mavs opponent had 25+ rebounds. Dirk Nowitzki did not play due to a sprained left ankle (the only game he would miss due to the injury). Greg Buckner did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 3rd of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Adrian Griffin did not play due to back spasms (the 4th of 7 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #4, current record: 3-1, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- November 6 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Charlotte 110-92 +18 Nowitzki 34 Nowitzki 10 Campbell 17 Greg Buckner did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 4th of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Adrian Griffin did not play due to back spasms (the 5th of 7 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #5, current record: 4-1, streak: won 2; final record: 57-25 ---- November 8 Activated Eduardo Najera and placed Evan Eschmeyer on IR with a sprained left ankle. Najera had missed 10 days (5 games) with left knee tendinitis. Eschmeyer was activated 12 days (5 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Denver 105-91 +14 Nowitzki 33 Najera 10 Rider 19 Greg Buckner did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 5th of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Adrian Griffin did not play due to back spasms (the 6th of 7 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #6, current record: 5-1, streak: won 3; final record: 57-25 ---- November 10 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L Philadelphia 91-98 -7 Nowitzki 25 JH/DN 10 Coleman 24 Greg Buckner did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 6th of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Adrian Griffin did not play due to back spasms (the 7th of 7 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #7, current record: 5-2, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- November 13 Activated Darrick Martin and placed Eduardo Najera on IR with a right knee contusion. Martin had missed 15 days (7 games) with a broken right hand. Najera was activated 10 days (5 games) later. ---- November 14 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Cleveland 107-94 +13 Nowitzki 28 Howard 10 Jones 20 Game #8, current record: 6-2, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- November 15 Tied the team record low with 0 steals. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @Detroit 89-115 -26 Finley 19 Howard 8 Stackhou 28 Tied the team record low with 0 steals. Game #9, current record: 6-3, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- November 17 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @Houston 87-124 -37 Nash 21 Buckner 10 Francis 33 Game #10, current record: 6-4, streak: lost 2; final record: 57-25 ---- November 20 Released Darrick Martin. Martin appeared in 3 games with Dallas. Signed Omar Cook. Activated Evan Eschmeyer and placed Omar Cook on IR with tendinitis in his left knee. Eschmeyer had missed 12 days (5 games) with a sprained left ankle. Cook was released 38 days later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L Seattle 97-105 -8 Finley 26 Howard 13 Payton 25 Dirk Nowitzki played despite suffering from a sinus infection. Game #11, current record: 6-5, streak: lost 3; final record: 57-25 ---- November 21 Wang Zhizhi arrived in Dallas. Wang missed the first month of the season due to playing in the Asian Games, as his country required. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Charlotte 89-78 +11 Finley 22 Nowitzki 11 Campbell 19 Dirk Nowitzki played despite suffering from a sinus infection. Game #12, current record: 7-5, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- November 23 Activated Eduardo Najera and placed Wang Zhizhi on IR with right Achilles tendinitis. Najera had missed 10 days (5 games) with a right knee contusion. Wang was activated 9 days (5 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Miami 104-94 +10 Nowitzki 33 Nowitzki 11 Jones 22 Game #13, current record: 8-5, streak: won 2; final record: 57-25 ---- November 24 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Phoenix 119-104 +15 Nowitzki 32 Howard 13 Marbury 31 Game #14, current record: 9-5, streak: won 3; final record: 57-25 ---- November 27 Signed Johnny Newman. Released Ruben Wolkowyski. Wolkowyski did not appear in a game with Dallas. Placed Greg Buckner on IR with a sore left knee. Buckner was activated 32 days (15 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Golden State 116-106 +10 Finley 39 DN/SN 7 Jamison 32 Game #15, current record: 10-5, streak: won 4; final record: 57-25 ---- November 29 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L Sacramento 98-110 -12 Nowitzki 29 Nowitzki 11 Stojakov 32 Game #16, current record: 10-6, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ==== December 1 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Golden State 111-82 +29 Nowitzki 21 Finley 10 Fortson 17 Game #17, current record: 11-6, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- December 2 Activated Wang Zhizhi and placed Donnell Harvey on IR with bruised ribs. Wang had missed 9 days (5 games) with right Achilles tendinitis. Harvey was activated 13 days (6 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Sacramento(OT) 120-114 +6 Nowitzki 32 Nowitzki 14 Stojakov 31 Game #18, current record: 12-6, streak: won 2; final record: 57-25 ---- December 5 Shaquille O'Neal (LAL) had 43 points, the 46th time a Mavs opponent had 40+ points and the 3rd of 4 times O'Neal had 40+ points against Dallas. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @LA Lakers 94-98 -4 Nowitzki 33 Nowitzki 14 O'Neal 46 Shaquille O'Neal had 43 points, the 46th time a Mavs opponent had 40+ points and the 3rd of 4 times O'Neal had 40+ points against Dallas. Game #19, current record: 12-7, streak: lost 1; final record: 57-25 ---- December 8 Dirk Nowitzki suffered a strained tendon in his left ankle putting on his shoes and missed the Washington game due to the injury (the only game he would miss due to the injury). Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L Washington 95-102 -7 Finley 32 Howard 6 Jordan 21 Dirk Nowitzki suffered a strained tendon in his left ankle putting on his shoes and missed the game due to the injury (the only game he would miss due to the injury). Game #20, current record: 12-8, streak: lost 2; final record: 57-25 ---- December 10 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 L @Utah 98-107 -9 Nowitzki 27 Nowitzki 10 Malone 30 Game #21, current record: 12-9, streak: lost 3; final record: 57-25 ---- December 11 Dirk Nowitzki left the Portland game in the 2nd quarter after aggravating his sprained left ankle and did not return. He did not miss any other games due to the injury. Michael Finley bumped heads with Derek Anderson at the end of the Portland game (22 seconds left), left the game, and received 3 stitches above his right eye. He would not miss any games due to the injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Portland 105-103 +2 Nash 39 JH/EN 9 Wells 21 Dirk Nowitzki left the game in the 2nd quarter after aggravating his sprained left ankle and did not return. He did not miss any other games due to the injury. Michael Finley bumped heads with Derek Anderson at the end of the game (22 seconds left), left the game, and received 3 stitches above his right eye. He would not miss any games due to the injury. Game #22, current record: 13-9, streak: won 1; final record: 57-25 ---- December 13 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Cleveland 102-82 +20 Finley 22 Griffin 11 Murray 23 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a sprained ankle (the 1st of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #23, current record: 14-9, streak: won 2; final record: 57-25 ---- December 15 Activated Donnell Harvey and placed Johnny Newman on IR with left knee tendinitis. Harvey had missed 13 days (6 games) with bruised ribs. Newman was activated 14 days (6 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Minnesota 125-117 +8 Finley 30 Nowitzki 15 Szczerbi 27 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a sprained ankle (the 2nd of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #24, current record: 15-9, streak: won 3; final record: 57-25 ---- December 17 The NBA named Steve Nash and Richard Hamilton (Was) as Players of the Week. Nash averaged 26.5 points including 61% FG and 7.3 assists as Dallas went 3-1. Hamilton averaged 28.5 points as Washington went 4-0. ---- December 18 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @Minnesota 107-103 +4 Finley 26 Nowitzki 15 Billups 23 Adrian Griffin left the game during the 2nd quarter with back spasms and did not return. He would miss the next 3 games due to the injury. Shawn Bradley did not play due to a sprained ankle (the 3rd of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #25, current record: 16-9, streak: won 4; final record: 57-25 ---- December 20 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Milwaukee 113-101 +12 MF/SN 33 Nowitzki 12 GR/RA 21 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a sprained ankle (the 4th of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Adrian Griffin did not play due to back spasms (the 1st of 3 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #26, current record: 17-9, streak: won 5; final record: 57-25 ---- December 22 Dirk Nowitzki played limited minutes (hardly played in the 2nd half) in the Orlando game due to spraining his right ankle. He would not miss any other games due to the injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Orlando 102-80 +22 Hardaway 18 Najera 10 Miller 20 Dirk Nowitzki played limited minutes (hardly played in the 2nd half) due to spraining his right ankle. He would not miss any other games due to the injury. Shawn Bradley did not play due to a sprained ankle (the 5th of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Adrian Griffin did not play due to back spasms (the 2nd of 3 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #27, current record: 18-9, streak: won 6; final record: 57-25 ---- December 26 Tim Duncan (SA) had 53 points, the 2nd most by an opponent in team history. It was also the 4th time a Mavs opponent had 50+ points and the 1st of 3 times Duncan had 40+ points against Dallas. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W @San Antonio(OT) 126-123 +3 Finley 28 Nowitzki 11 Duncan 53 Tim Duncan had 53 points, the 2nd most by an opponent. It was also the 4th time a Mavs opponent had 50+ points and the 1st of 3 times Duncan had 40+ points against Dallas. Shawn Bradley did not play due to a sprained ankle (the 6th of 6 games he would miss due to the injury). Adrian Griffin did not play due to back spasms (the 3rd of 3 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #28, current record: 19-9, streak: won 7; final record: 57-25 ---- December 27 Michael Finley left the Chicago game during the 1st quarter with a strained left hamstring and did not return. He would miss the next 2 games due to the injury (the 1st games missed in his NBA career). Evan Eschmeyer suffered a sprained left ankle during the Chicago game and did not return. He would miss the next 22 games due to the injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Chicago 89-74 +15 Nowitzki 24 Najera 14 Mercer 19 Michael Finley left the game during the 1st quarter with a strained left hamstring and did not return. He would miss the next 2 games due to the injury. Evan Eschmeyer suffered a sprained left ankle during the game and did not return. He would miss the next 22 games due to the injury. Game #29, current record: 20-9, streak: won 8; final record: 57-25 ---- December 28 Released Omar Cook. Cook did not appear in a game with Dallas. ---- December 29 Activated Greg Buckner and Johnny Newman and placed Evan Eschmeyer (sprained left ankle) and Donnell Harvey (sprained right ankle) on IR. Buckner had missed 32 days (15 games) with a sore left knee. Newman had missed 14 days (6 games) with left knee tendinitis. Eschmeyer was activated 59 days (22 games) later. Harvey was activated 17 days (8 games) later. Michael Finley did not play in the Atlanta game due to a strained left hamstring. It was the first regular season game in his career that he has missed, snapping his string of 490 consecutive games played (with Phoenix and Dallas) and 360 consecutive starts. 360 consecutive starts and 381 consecutive games played are the team records. With the win vs Atlanta, Don Nelson achieved his 1,000 career coaching win. Nelson joined Lenny Wilkens (then 1,242) and Pat Riley (then 1,054) as the only coaches in NBA history to reach the 1,000 milestone. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2001 W Atlanta 113-97 +16 Nowitzki 35 Nowitzki 12 A.-Rahim 21 With the win, Don Nelson achieved his 1,000 career coaching win. Shawn Bradley suffered a bruised right knee during the Atlanta game. He would miss the next 6 games due to the injury. Michael Finley did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 1st of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #30, current record: 21-9, streak: won 9; final record: 57-25 ====