Dallas Mavericks History - 2003 ---- January 2 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W LA Clippers 102-92 +10 Nash 24 Nowitzki 10 Odom 20 Walt Williams did not play due to a strained left knee (the 3rd of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #31, current record: 26-5, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ---- January 4 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Philadelphia 102-83 +19 Nowitzki 29 Bradley 11 Iverson 25 Walt Williams did not play due to a strained left knee (the 4th of 4 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #32, current record: 27-5, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ---- January 6 The NBA named Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Jordan (Was) as Players of the Week. Nowitzki averaged 29.7 points and 10.7 rebounds as Dallas went 2-1. Jordan averaged 22.3 points, 8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists as Washington went 3-1. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Denver 86-71 +15 Finley 19 LaFrentz 11 Howard 22 Game #33, current record: 28-5, streak: won 3; final record: 60-22 ---- January 7 Released Adam Harrington. Harrington appeared in 13 games with Dallas. ---- January 8 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Atlanta 117-99 +18 Nowitzki 30 Nowitzki 14 Terry 27 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a strained right thigh (the only game he would miss due to the injury). Game #34, current record: 29-5, streak: won 4; final record: 60-22 ---- January 10 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Boston 103-78 +25 Nowitzki 28 Griffin 12 Pierce 20 Game #35, current record: 30-5, streak: won 5; final record: 60-22 ---- January 12 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @LA Clippers 96-90 +6 Nash 24 SB/SN 9 Brand 19 Game #36, current record: 31-5, streak: won 6; final record: 60-22 ---- January 15 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Sacramento 94-123 -29 Van_Exel 20 Nowitzki 9 Webber 29 Chris Webber (Sac) had a triple-double with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. It was the 41st time a Mavs opponent had a triple-double and the 2nd of 3 times Webber had a triple-double against Dallas. Game #37, current record: 31-6, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ---- January 17 Signed Antoine Rigaudeau to a 3 year, $1,986,000 contract. The 3rd year was at Dallas' option. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Phoenix 106-111 -5 Nash 32 Nowitzki 14 Marbury 41 Stephon Marbury (Pho) had 41 points, the 50th time a Mavs opponent had 40+ points and the 1st of 2 times he had 40+ points against Dallas. Game #38, current record: 31-7, streak: lost 2; final record: 60-22 ---- January 19 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Seattle 81-85 -4 Finley 16 Nowitzki 14 RL/PD 19 Game #39, current record: 31-8, streak: lost 3; final record: 60-22 ---- January 21 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Houston 107-86 +21 Nowitzki 26 Nowitzki 8 Francis 26 Houston had 8 assists, tying the opponent record low for fewest assists. Game #40, current record: 32-8, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ---- January 23 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Philadelphia 107-94 +13 Nowitzki 30 Nowitzki 14 KVH/AI 25 Game #41, current record: 33-8, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ---- January 24 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @New York 101-90 +11 Nowitzki 30 Nowitzki 9 Sprewell 21 Game #42, current record: 34-8, streak: won 3; final record: 60-22 ---- January 26 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L Portland 93-100 -7 Finley 27 DN/RL 7 Pippen 19 Game #43, current record: 34-9, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ---- January 28 Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash were named as All-Star reserves. ---- January 29 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Houston 104-81 +23 Nowitzki 34 Bradley 9 Yao 20 Game #44, current record: 35-9, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ---- January 30 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Minnesota 112-109 +3 Nowitzki 32 LaFrentz 15 KG/TH 31 Raja Bell did not play due to a left thigh contusion (the 1st of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #45, current record: 36-9, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ==== February 1 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Denver 122-100 +22 Van_Exel 30 Bradley 9 White 17 Raja Bell did not play due to a left thigh contusion (the 2nd of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #46, current record: 37-9, streak: won 3; final record: 60-22 ---- February 3 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Utah 92-90 +2 Nowitzki 25 LaFrentz 6 Harpring 20 Game #47, current record: 38-9, streak: won 4; final record: 60-22 ---- February 4 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L Sacramento 109-110 -1 DN/MF 28 Nowitzki 16 Bibby 27 Adrian Griffin did not play due to a sore right knee (the only game he would miss due to the injury). Game #48, current record: 38-10, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ---- February 9 Steve Nash had 2 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in 16 minutes and Dirk Nowitzki had 9 points in 16 minutes in the All-Star game as the West defeated the East 155-145 in double overtime. ---- February 11 Activated Eduardo Najera and Evan Eschmeyer and placed Popeye Jones (sprained right ankle) and Avery Johnson (right calf strain) on IR. Eschmeyer had missed 73 days (33 games) with arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Najera had missed 63 days (27 games) with left knee surgery. Jones was activated 25 days (13 games) later. Johnson was activated 9 days (5 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Minnesota 98-100 -2 Nowitzki 34 Nowitzki 7 Garnett 26 Game #49, current record: 38-11, streak: lost 2; final record: 60-22 ---- February 12 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Milwaukee 114-120 -6 Nowitzki 27 Nowitzki 12 Allen 28 Game #50, current record: 38-12, streak: lost 3; final record: 60-22 ---- February 14 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Memphis 110-103 +7 Nowitzki 31 LaFrentz 14 Gasol 25 Game #51, current record: 39-12, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ---- February 15 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Miami 98-92 +6 Nowitzki 25 Nowitzki 12 Best 21 Game #52, current record: 40-12, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ---- February 18 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Atlanta 105-79 +26 Finley 26 Griffin 8 A.-Rahim 14 Game #53, current record: 41-12, streak: won 3; final record: 60-22 ---- February 20 Activated Avery Johnson and placed Adrian Griffin on IR with right knee tendinitis. Johnson had missed 9 days (5 games) with a right calf strain. Griffin was activated 9 days (5 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W San Antonio 95-87 +8 Nash 29 MF/SB 8 Rose 25 Game #54, current record: 42-12, streak: won 4; final record: 60-22 ---- February 21 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Houston 100-85 +15 Nowitzki 34 Nowitzki 11 Francis 19 Game #55, current record: 43-12, streak: won 5; final record: 60-22 ---- February 23 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Washington(OT) 106-101 +5 Nowitzki 29 Nowitzki 10 JS/MJ 30 Game #56, current record: 44-12, streak: won 6, final record: 60-22 ---- Februray 24 The NBA fined Nick Van Exel $20,000 for verbally abusing the refs following the 2/23/03 Washington game. ---- February 25 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Orlando 93-98 -5 Nowitzki 26 Nowitzki 7 McGrady 26 Game #57, current record: 44-13, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ---- February 26 The NBA suspended Eduardo Najera for 1 game for contact with a ref during the 2/25/03 Orlando game. ---- February 27 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L Sacramento(OT) 124-126 -2 Nowitzki 36 Nowitzki 13 Stojako. 36 Missed all 6 shots attempted in overtime. Game #58, current record: 44-14, streak: lost 2; final record: 60-22 ==== March 1 Activated Adrian Griffin and placed Antoine Rigaudeau on IR with back spasms. Griffin had missed 9 days (5 games) with right knee tendinitis. Rigaudeau stayed on IR the rest of the season. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Memphis 114-87 +27 Nowitzki 28 MF/EN 10 Gasol 25 Adrian Griffin hit all 8 shots he attempted, tying the team record for most makes without a miss in a game. Game #59, current record: 45-14, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ---- March 4 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W New Jersey 88-79 +9 DN/SN 24 Nowitzki 13 Martin 18 Shawn Bradley was cut below his right eye at the end of the 3rd quarter and received 7 stitches and did not return. He did not miss any other games due to the injury. Game #60, current record: 46-14, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ---- March 7 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Miami 91-89 +2 Nash 22 Finley 11 RB/MJ 20 Walt Williams did not play due to a sprained left finger (the 1st of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #61, current record: 47-14, streak: won 3; final record: 60-22 ---- March 8 Activated Popeye Jones and placed Evan Eschmeyer on IR with swelling in his right knee. Jones had missed 25 days (13 games) with a sprained right ankle. Eschmeyer was activated 22 days (11 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Utah 101-77 +24 Nowitzki 21 DN/SB/AG 6 Malone 16 Walt Williams did not play due to a sprained left finger (the 2nd of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #62, current record: 48-14, streak: won 4; final record: 60-22 ---- March 10 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L Minnesota 83-92 -9 Nowitzki 37 MF/DN 13 Garnett 31 Game #63, current record: 48-15, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ---- March 13 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Seattle 100-107 -7 Nowitzki 27 Nowitzki 12 Lewis 30 Game #64, current record: 48-16, streak: lost 2; final record: 60-22 ---- March 14 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Golden State 116-114 +2 Finley 21 Bradley 11 Arenas 29 Dirk Nowitzki left the game late in the 2nd quarter with a sprained left ankle and did not return. He did not miss any other games due to the injury. Game #65, current record: 49-16, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ---- March 16 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Sacramento(OT) 129-123 +6 Nowitzki 34 Nowitzki 34 Stojakov 30 Steve Nash had 12 points in the overtime, tying the team record for points in overtime. Shawn Bradley suffered a mild knee injury when he fell to the floor and landed on his knee during overtime. He did not miss any other games due to the injury. Game #66, current record: 50-16, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ---- March 18 2003 Michael Finley left the Cleveland game at the end of the 1st half with a strained left hamstring. 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 2003 W Cleveland 114-93 +21 Nowitzki 28 Nowitzki 8 Ilgauska 30 Michael Finley left the game at the end of the 1st half with a strained left hamstring. He would miss the next 13 games due to the injury. Game #67, current record: 51-16, streak: won 3; final record: 60-22 ---- March 19 With Phoenix's loss to Utah, Dallas formally clinched a playoff berth. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L San Antonio(OT) 110-112 -2 Van_Exel 35 Nowitzki 12 Duncan 25 Michael Finley did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 1st of 13 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #68, current record: 51-17, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ---- March 22 Activated Avery Johnson and placed Popeye Jones on IR with a sprained right ankle. Johnson had missed 9 days (5 games) with a strained right calf. Jones was activated 12 days (6 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Phoenix 102-95 +7 DN/SN 27 Nowitzki 11 ShM/AH 21 Michael Finley did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 2nd of 13 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #69, current record: 52-17, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ---- March 24 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Denver 108-96 +12 Nowitzki 25 Nowitzki 8 Howard 25 Rodney White (Den) had a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was the 42nd time a Mavs opponent had a triple-double. Michael Finley did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 3rd of 13 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #70, current record: 53-17, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ---- March 26 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @LA Clippers 114-107 +7 Van_Exel 29 Nowitzki 11 Piatkows 22 Michael Finley did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 4th of 13 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #71, current record: 54-17, streak: won 3; final record: 60-22 ---- March 28 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Portland 95-112 -17 Nowitzki 20 A.-Wahad 8 Wallace 20 Avery Johnson played in his 1,000th NBA game. The 5-11 Johnson joined Calvin Murphy (5-9, 1,002 games) as the only NBA players under 6-foot to play in 1,000 games. Michael Finley did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 5th of 13 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #72, current record: 54-18, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ---- March 30 Activated Evan Eschmeyer and placed Walt Williams on IR with a strained left hamstring. Eschmeyer had missed 22 days (11 games) with swelling in his right knee. Williams was activated 13 days (7 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Minnesota 119-95 +24 Nowitzki 33 Nowitzki 7 Garnett 24 Steve Nash had 15 assists, the 35th time a Mavs player had 15+ assists and the 4th of 6 times Nash had 15+ assists with Dallas. Michael Finley did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 6th of 13 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #73, current record: 55-18, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ==== April 1 Michael Finley was named as the Midwest divisional winner for the Sportsmanship Award. He joined P.J. Brown (NO), Allan Houston (NY), and Ray Allen (Sea) as divisional winners. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W New Orleans 95-86 +9 Nowitzki 30 Nowitzki 11 Davis 18 Michael Finley did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 7th of 13 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #74, current record: 56-18, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ---- April 3 Activated Popeye Jones and placed Michael Finley on IR with a strained left hamstring. Jones had missed 12 days (6 games) with a sprained right ankle. Finley was activated 11 days (5 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L LA Lakers 89-100 -11 Nash 26 Nowitzki 22 O'Neal 31 Dirk Nowitzki had a 20-20 with 25 points and 22 rebounds. It was the 19th time a Mavs player had a 20-20 and the 5th of 7 times Nowitzki had a 20-20 with Dallas. It was the 48th time a Mavs player had 20+ rebounds and the 5th of 7 times Nowitzki had 20+ rebounds with Dallas. Game #75, current record: 56-19, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ---- April 5 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Orlando 108-90 +18 Nowitzki 29 Najera 7 Giricek 18 Game #76, current record: 57-19, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ---- April 8 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @LA Lakers 99-108 -9 DN/RL 26 Nowitzki 9 George 21 Game #77, current record: 57-20, streak: lost 1; final record: 60-22 ---- April 9 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Phoenix 89-112 -23 Nowitzki 26 Nowitzki 8 Marion 31 Anfernee Hardaway (Pho) had a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was the 43rd time a Mavs opponent had a triple-double. Game #78, current record: 57-21, streak: lost 2; final record: 60-22 ---- April 11 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Utah 92-95 -3 Nowitzki 34 Nowitzki 8 Malone 23 Game #79, current record: 57-22, streak: lost 3; final record: 60-22 ---- April 12 Activated Walt Williams and placed Evan Eschmeyer on IR with a sore right knee. Williams had missed 13 days (7 games) with a strained left hamstring. Eschmeyer stayed on IR the last 3 games of the season. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Golden State 117-108 +9 Nowitzki 37 Nowitzki 12 Jamison 25 Game #80, current record: 58-22, streak: won 1; final record: 60-22 ---- April 14 Activated Michael Finley and placed Popeye Jones on IR with a sprained right ankle. Finley had missed 11 days (5 games) with a strained left hamstring. Jones stayed on IR the last 2 games of the season. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Seattle 109-106 +3 Nowitzki 39 Nowitzki 10 Allen 35 Game #81, current record: 59-22, streak: won 2; final record: 60-22 ---- April 16 Finished the 2002-03 season with a record of 60-22. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @San Antonio 93-72 +21 Nowitzki 25 Nowitzki 10 SSmith 11 Game #82, current record: 60-22, streak: won 3; final record: 60-22 ---- April 17 Left Avery Johnson, Popeye Jones, and Antoine Rigaueau off the 12-man playoff roster. ---- April 19 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Portland 96-86 +10 Nowitzki 46 Nowitzki 10 Wallace 26 Dallas went on a 19-4 run over the last 6 minutes of the 3rd quarter and out-scored Portland 28-12 in the 3rd quarter. Dallas shot 20-24 FT and Portland shot 11-21 FT. Dirk Nowitzki had 46 points, the 2nd most by a Mav in playoff history. It was the 4th time a Mavs player had 40+ points in the playoffs and the 4th of 12 times Nowitzki had 40+ points with Dallas. He also had 10 rebounds. Rasheed Wallace (Por) had 26 points. Game 1: Dallas led series 1-0; Dallas would win series 4-3 ---- April 23 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Portland 103-99 +4 Nash 28 Nowitzki 9 Wells 45 A 3-point play by Dale Davis (Por) tied the game at 98-98 with 48 seconds left. Steve Nash nailed a 3-pointer with 29 seconds left. Bonzi Wells (Por) was fouled a few seconds left (unintentional), but only hit 1-2 FT. Nash was fouled after bringing the ball over mid-court and hit both free throws. Portland missed on 2 3-pointer attempts before time expired. Dallas shot 12-25 3-pointers and Portland shot 7-16 3-pointers. Dallas shot 15-18 FT and Portland shot 26-37 FT. Dallas did not have a blocked shot in the game, only the 2nd time in team playoff history that Dallas did not block a shot. Nash had 28 points including 10-14 FG and 5-6 3-pointers, Dirk Nowitzki had 25 points and 9 rebounds in playing all 48 minutes, and Michael Finley had 17 points. Wells (Por) had a then Mavs opponent playoff high 45 points (since surpassed) including 5-6 3-pointers. It was the 5th time a Mavs opponent had 40+ points in the playoffs. Rasheed Wallace (Por) had 18 points and Davis (Por) had 7 points and 15 rebounds. Scottie Pippen (Por) did not play due to soreness in his left knee and Derek Anderson (Por) left the game 3 minutes in with a strained left knee. Game 2: Dallas led series 2-0; Dallas would win series 4-3 ---- April 25 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Portland 115-103 +12 Nowitzki 42 Nowitzki 10 Patterso 19 Dallas out-scored Portland 31-18 in the 4th quarter. Dallas shot 18-21 FT and Portland shot 31-39 FT. Dallas had 6 turnovers (tying the team playoff record low) and Portland had 17 turnovers. Portland had no blocks - just the 3rd time an opponent had no blocks in the playoffs. Dirk Nowitzki had 42 points, tying the 3rd most in team playoff history. It was the 4th time a Mavs player had 40+ points in the playoffs and the 5th of 12 times Nowitzki had 40+ points with Dallas. He shot 15-20 FG and 5-6 3-pointers and had 10 rebounds. He scored 16 points including 6-6 FG and 3-3 3-pointers during the 4th quarter. Raef LaFrentz had 20 points and Steve Nash had 12 points and 10 assists. Ruben Patterson (Por) had 19 points and 9 rebounds. Scottie Pippen (Por, sore left knee) and Derek Anderson (Por, torn left meniscus) did not play. Game 3: Dallas led series 3-0; Dallas would win series 4-3 ---- April 27 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Portland 79-98 -19 Nowitzki 26 Nowitzki 11 Randolph 25 Portland led 59-58 with 6:30 left and Dallas would not score over the next 6 minutes and Portland went on a 21-0 run. Portland out-scored Dallas 33-10 in the 3rd quarter - 10 points set the then fewest points scored in a playoff quarter [now 2nd lowest with 9 points being the lowest]. Portland led 82-62 after 3. Dallas only scored 27 points in the 2nd half, which set the team playoff record low for points in a half. Dallas shot 37.3% FG and Portland shot 41.3% FG. Dallas shot 12-13 FT and Portland shot 30-42 FT. Dirk Nowitzki had 26 points and 11 rebounds and Nick Van Exel had 18 points - no other Mav was in double-digits. Steve Nash had no points on 0-4 FG. Zach Randolph (Por) had 25 points and 15 rebounds, Rasheed Wallace (Por) had 23 points, and Damon Stoudamire (Por) had 17 points and 11 assists. Bonzi Wells (Por) became the first opponent to play all 48 minutes in the playoffs. Arvydas Sabonis (Por, sore back), Scottie Pippen (Por, sore left knee), Derek Anderson (Por, torn left meniscus) did not play. Game 4: Dallas led series 3-1; Dallas would win series 4-3 ---- April 28 Dallas lost the draw with San Antonio to determine the draft order for teams that finish with the same record. Dallas would draft at #29 and San Antonio would draft at #28. ---- April 30 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L Portland 99-103 -4 Nowitzki 35 Nowitzki 11 Randolph 22 Rasheed Wallace (Por) hit a 3-pointer to give Portland a 99-98 with 1:06 left. Ruben Patterson (Por) got a block and Zach Randolph (Por) hit 2 free throws with 39 seconds left. Dirk Nowitzki hit 1-2 FT with 32 seconds left. Bonzi Wells (Por) missed with 10 seconds left, but Arvydas Sabonis (Por) got the tip-in to clinch the win. Dallas scored just 1 point in the last 2:30 of the game. Portland out-scored Dallas 32-22 in the 4th quarter. Nowitzki had 35 points including 11-12 FT and 11 rebounds and played all 48 minutes, Nick Van Exel had 25 points, and Steve Nash had 7 points including 2-11 FG and 11 assists. Dallas only played 7 players. Randolph (Por) had 22 points and 9 rebounds and Damon Stoudamire (Por) had 19 points and 8 rebounds [yes, rebounds]. Derek Anderson (Por, left knee surgery) did not play. Game 5: Dallas led series 3-2; Dallas would win series 4-3 ==== May 2 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Portland 103-125 -22 Nash 21 Griffin 8 Randolph 21 Portland out-scored Dallas 37-14 in the 2nd quarter - 14 points set the team playoff record low for points in the 2nd quarter. Portland led 64-38 at the half and 97-64 after 3. Portland shot 59.8% FG and Dallas shot 42.4% FG. It was only the 3rd time in league playoff history that a team had come from being down 0-3 to tie the series at 3-3. Steve Nash had 21 points and Michael Finley had 20 points - only 3 Mavs were in double-digits. Dirk Nowitzki had just 4 points on 2-11 FG. Zach Randolph (Por) had 21 points and 10 rebounds, Ruben Patterson (Por) had 20 points including 8-10 FG, and Bonzi Wells (Por) had 18 points. Derek Anderson (Por, left knee surgery) did not play. Game 6: Series tied 3-3; Dallas would win series 4-3 ---- May 4 In the first round of the playoffs, Dallas defeated Portland 107-95 to take the series 4-3 and advance to the second round. Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Portland 107-95 +12 Nowitzki 31 Nowitzki 11 RW/DS 17 7 straight points by Rasheed Wallace (Por) gave Portland a 90-88 lead with 4:45 left. After the teams traded 3-pointers, the game was tied 93-93 with 3:13 left. Dallas then went on a 9-2 run (with the 2 being from 2-4 FT) to go up 102-95 with 47 seconds left. Dallas hit 5-6 FT the rest of the way. Dallas out-scored Portland 36-22 in the 4th quarter. Dirk Nowitzki had 31 points and 11 rebounds, Nick Van Exel had 26 points including 10-15 FG, and Steve Nash had 21 points. Wallace (Por) had 17 points and Damon Stoudamire (Por) had 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists. Dale Davis (Por, strained groin) and Derek Anderson (Por, surgery left knee) did not play. Game 7: Dallas won series 4-3 ---- May 6 Dirk Nowitzki was selected to the All-NBA 2nd team and Steve Nash was selected to the All-NBA 3rd team. Nowitzki received 360 points (most on the 2nd team) and Nash received 85 points. Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L Sacramento 113-124 -11 MF/SN/NVE 20 Nowitzki 11 Stojakov 26 Sacramento led 98-76 after 3. Sacramento shot 55% FG and Dallas shot 46.9% FG. Sacramento shot 27-33 FT and Dallas shot 13-18 FT. Michael Finley had 20 points, Steve Nash had 20 points, Nick Van Exel had 20 points, and Dirk Nowitzki had 18 points and 11 rebounds. Peja Stojakovic (Sac) had 26 points and 9 rebounds, Chris Webber (Sac) had 24 points, 9 assists, and 7 turnovers, and Bobby Jackson (Sac) had 23 points. Game 1: Sacramento led series 1-0; Dallas would win series 4-3 ---- May 8 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Sacramento 132-110 +22 Van_Exel 36 Nowitzki 12 Webber 31 In a high-scoring affair, Dallas out-scored Sacramento 44-40 in the 1st quarter. Dirk Nowitzki had 18 points including 6-6 FG and 3-3 3-pointers in the quarter. Dallas went on an 18-0 run during the 2nd quarter to go up 74-47 lead with 3:50 left. Dallas out-scored Sacramento 39-21 in the 2nd quarter to go up 83-61 at the half. Dallas led 113-85 after 3. Dallas took their largest lead at 126-91 with 7:50 left. Chris Webber (Sac) suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee late in the 3rd quarter and would miss the rest of the series. Dallas shot 17-32 3-pointers and Sacramento shot 9-22 3-pointers. Dallas shot 13-18 FT and Sacramento shot 27-34 FT. Dallas tied 2nd most points in the 1st quarter in league playoff history with 44 points [most: 45]. The combined 84 points for the 1st quarter was the most for a 1st quarter in league playoff history and the 2nd most for any quarter in league playoff history [most: 86]. Dallas set the league playoff record with 83 points in the 1st half [old: 82]. Dallas tied the league playoff record with 11 3-pointers made in the 1st half. Nick Van Exel had 36 points off the bench - then 2nd highest Mavs production off the bench (playoffs or regular season). He shot 14-19 FG and 5-8 3-pointers. This was also the first game after he gave his "F'em" (actually "F'em", not expanded) speech to the team and media the previous day. Nowitzki had 24 points including 4-4 3-pointers and 12 rebounds, Michael Finley had 24 points including 5-12 3-pointers, and Steve Nash had 19 points including 8-11 FG. Webber (Sac) had 31 points including 11-14 FT and Peja Stojakovic (Sac) had 24 points - only 3 Kings were in double-digits. Walt Williams and Hedo Turkoglu (Sac) both received 1-T ejections near the end of the game after a minor scuffle. Game 2: Series tied 1-1; Dallas would win series 4-3 ---- May 9 An MRI reveled that Chris Webber (Sac) suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee and he would miss the rest of the Dallas-Sacramento series. ---- May 10 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Sacramento(2OT) 141-137 +4 Van_Exel 40 Nowitzki 20 Stojakov 39 Dallas scored 7 straight points to tie the game at 109-109 with 2:25 left in the 4th quarter. Keon Clark (Sac) hit 1-2 FT and Nick Van Exel hit 2 free throws with 1:17 left. Mike Bibby (Sac) hit a 3-pointer with a minute left. The teams traded missed 3-point attempts and Van Exel's floater went in with 3.8 seconds left to tie the game at 113-113. Bibby (Sac) missed a 3-point attempt and Doug Christie (Sac) missed a long heave at the buzzer and the game went to overtime. Peja Stojakovic (Sac) hit 2 free throws to give Sacramento a 125-123 with a minute left in overtime. Michael Finley missed a 3-pointer attempt. Vlade Divac (Sac) was fouled after getting an offensive rebound with 27 seconds left, but he missed both free throws. Walt Williams got the dunk to tie the game with 16.3 seconds left. Stojakovic (Sac) missed a long jumper at the buzzer and the game went into double-overtime at 125-125. A 3-pointer by Van Exel gave Dallas a 135-133 with 1:35 left. Sacramento missed and Williams nailed a 3-pointer with 58 seconds left. Sacramento missed and Dallas ran time off the clock before missing a shot. Bobby Jackson (Sac) drove for the quick 2 with 21.8 seconds left. Dallas committed a turnover on the inbounds. BJackson (Sac) missed a layup attempt, but Jim Jackson (Sac) tipped it in to pull Sacramento within 137-138 with 11.4 seconds left. Van Exel hit both free throws and BJackson (Sac) missed a 3-point attempt. Raja Bell hit 1-2 FT to cap the scoring. It was the 6th overtime game in Mavs playoff history and the 2nd 2OT game (both were wins). 137 points by Sacramento set the opponent playoff record. Dallas shot 16-20 FT and Sacramento shot 24-36 FT. Dallas shot 19-42 3-pointers. Dallas tied the 2nd most league playoff record for 3-pointers made with 19 3-pointers [most: 20]. Dallas set the league playoff record for 3-pointers attempted with 42 [old: 34]. Van Exel had 40 points off the bench - the most ever by a Mav off the bench (playoff or regular season) [old: 39 points]. It was also the 6th time a Mav scored 40+ points in a playoff game and the only time Van Exel scored 40+ points with Dallas. He shot 6-12 3-pointers - the team playoff record for 3-pointers made. Dirk Nowitzki had a 20-20 with 25 points and 20 rebounds. It was the 2nd time a Mavs player had a 20-20 in the playoffs and the 6th of 7 times Nowitzki had a 20-20 with Dallas. It was the 4th time a Mavs player had 20+ rebounds in the playoffs and the 6th of 7 times Nowitzki had 20+ rebounds with Dallas. He played 58 minutes. Steve Nash had 31 points including 5-10 3-pointers and 11 assists in in 51 minutes and Finley had 20 points including 5-10 3-pointers in 56 minutes. Stojakovic (Sac) had 39 points including 5-10 3-pointers in 56 minutes, Divac (Sac) had 20 points including 6-12 FT and 10 rebounds, and Christie (Sac) had 18 points in 51 minutes. Chris Webber (Sac, torn meniscus left knee) did not play. Game 3: Dallas led series 2-1; Dallas would win series 4-3 ---- May 11 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Sacramento 83-99 -16 RB/MF 16 Nowitzki 11 Turkoglu 17 In a disgusting piece of scheduling for the playoffs, it was the 2nd night of a back-to-back; made worse by the previous game going into double-overtime. Sacramento led 52-37 at the half and 81-61 after 3. Dallas shot 37.9% FG and Sacramento shot 44.4% FG. Raja Bell had 16 points including 7-11 FG, Michael Finley had 16 points, and Dirk Nowitzki had 11 points and 11 rebounds - no other Mav was in double-digits. Hedo Turkoglu (Sac) had 17 points, Peja Stojakovic (Sac) had 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Doug Christie (Sac) had 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Nowitzki was ejected late in the 4th quarter complaining about non-calls. Bell and Bobby Jackson were ejected with a minute left in the game for a scuffle. Adrian Griffin (sprained left ankle) and Chris Webber (Sac, torn meniscus left knee) did not play. Game 4: Series tied 2-2; Dallas would win series 4-3 ---- May 13 The NBA fined Dirk Nowitzki $5,000 for improper conduct when he kicked a pile of towels and scattered them into the first couple of baseline rows during the 5/11/03 game 4 at Sacramento. The NBA fined Raja Bell $7,500 for verbally abusing a ref following his e jection in the 5/11/03 game 4 at Sacramento. Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Sacramento 112-93 +19 Nash 25 Nowitzki 15 Christie 21 Dallas out-scored Sacramento 29-10 in the 3rd quarter - 10 points set the opponent low for points in any playoff quarter [old 12]. Dallas out-scored Sacramento 58-32 in the 2nd half. Dallas shot 44.2% FG and Sacramento shot 35.9% FG. Dallas set the team record with 11 blocks. Steve Nash had 25 points including 15-16 FT, Nick Van Exel had 18 points, Dirk Nowitzki had 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists, and Michael Finley had 16 points and 9 rebounds. Doug Christie (Sac) had 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists and Peja Stojakovic (Sac) had 19 points and 7 rebounds. Adrian Griffin (sprained right ankle) and Chris Webber (Sac, torn meniscus left knee) did not play. Game 5: Dallas led series 3-2; Dallas would win series 4-3 ---- May 15 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Sacramento 109-115 -6 Van_Exel 35 Nowitzki 12 Stojakov 24 Sacramento scored 9 straight points to go up 103-95 with 4:40 left. Steve Nash hit consecutive 3-pointers to pull Dallas within 109-111 with 50 seconds left. Peja Stojakovic (Sac) missed with 29 seconds left. Walt Williams missed a 3-point attempt with 12 seconds left as the shot clock was running out. Sacramento hit 4 free throws to cap the scoring. Dallas shot 19-22 FT and Sacramento shot 31-32 FT (missing their first and then hitting their next 31) - setting the opponent playoff record for free throw percentage at 96.9%. Nick Van Exel had 35 points including 5-11 3-pointers, Dirk Nowitzki had 21 points including 11-12 FT and 12 rebounds, and Michael Finley had 21 points. Stojakovic (Sac) had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Vlade Divac (Sac) had 21 points, Bobby Jackson (Sac) had 21 points, Doug Christie (Sac) had 20 points including 10-11 FT and 9 rebounds, and Jim Jackson (Sac) had 16 points and 12 rebounds including 7 offensive. Adrian Griffin (sprained right ankle) and Chris Webber (Sac, torn meniscus left knee) did not play. Game 6: Series tied 3-3; Dallas would win series 4-3 ---- May 17 In the second round of the playoffs, Dallas defeated Sacramento 112-99 to take the series 4-3 and advance to the Western Conference Finals - the 2nd time in team history to make it to the conference finals. Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Sacramento 112-99 +13 Nowitzki 30 Nowitzki 19 Bibby 25 Sacramento pulled within 82-87 with 8:30 left, but Dallas then scored the next 8 points to go up 95-82 with 7:30 left. Sacramento then scored the next 5 points, but Dallas put the game away with a 14-2 run to go up 109-89 with 4 minutes left. Dallas shot 49.5% FG and Sacramento shot 41.9% FG. Dirk Nowitzki had 30 points and 19 rebounds, Nick Van Exel had 23 points, Michael Finley had 18 points, and Steve Nash had 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 13 assists. Mike Bibby (Sac) had 25 points, Jim Jackson (Sac) had 24 points including 10-12 FG and 3-3 3-pointers, and Peja Stojakovic (Sac) had 17 points and 9 rebounds. Adrian Griffin (sprained right ankle) and Chris Webber (Sac, torn meniscus left knee) did not play. Game 7: Dallas won series 4-3 ---- May 19 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @San Antonio 113-110 +3 Nowitzki 38 Nowitzki 15 Duncan 40 Dallas played hack-a-Bowen during the 2nd quarter in intentionally fouling Bruce Bowen (SA) and Bowen (SA) shot 5-10 FT during the quarter. San Antonio led 110-105 with 2:45 left. Dallas scored the next 4 points and then both teams went scoreless over a 1:30 period and San Antonio held a 1 point lead with 27 seconds left. Michael Finley got a pseudo-hook with 14 seconds left. Tim Duncan (SA) air-balled a 4-footer and Dirk Nowitzki rebounded and was fouled with 4 seconds left. He hit both free throws. Dallas intentionally fouled Duncan (SA) after the inbounds. He missed his 1st free throw and intentionally missed the 2nd, but Steve Nash grabbed the rebound and time expired. San Antonio did not score in the last 2:45 of the game. Dallas out-scored San Antonio 30-19 in the 4th quarter. Dallas shot 49-50 FT and San Antonio shot 31-48 FT - after missing their first free throw (Eduardo Najera), Dallas made their next 49. 49 free throws made set a team playoff record. 48 free throws attempted by San Antonio set the opponent playoff record. Nowitzki had 38 points including 17-17 FT (3rd most in league history of free throws made without a miss) and 15 rebounds, Finley had 26 points including 10-10 FT, and Nash had 22 points. Duncan (SA) had 40 points on 14-20 FG and 12-19 FT, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists. It was the 6th time a Mavs opponent had 40+ points in the playoffs and the 2nd of 3 times Duncan had 40+ points against Dallas. Tony Parker (SA) had 18 points. Game 1: Dallas led series 1-0; San Antonio would win series 4-2 ---- May 21 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @San Antonio 106-119 -13 Finley 29 MF/DN 10 Duncan 32 The infamous Joey Crawford dominated game. Dirk Nowitzki picked up 3 fouls in the 1st quarter and Don Nelson got tossed (2 technicals) for simply staring at Crawford. Crawford 1-T tossed assistant Del Harris late in the 2nd quarter. There were 8 technicals called (6 against Dallas and 2 against San Antonio). San Antonio out-scored Dallas 69-44 in the 1st half - 69 points tied the opponent playoff record for a 1st half. San Antonio shot 26-28 FT and Dallas shot 9-11 FT in the half. Dallas pulled within 9 points with 3 minutes left in the game, but San Antonio then scored the next 8 points. San Antonio shot 37-45 FT and Dallas shot 20-22 FT. Michael Finley had 29 points and 10 rebounds and Nowitzki had 23 points and 10 rebounds. Tim Duncan (SA) had 32 points including 10-13 FT and 15 rebounds, Malik Rose (SA) had 25 points including 15-18 FT, and Tony Parker (SA) had 19 points. Eduardo Najera (sore lower thigh and knee) did not play. Game 2: Series tied 1-1; San Antonio would win series 4-2 ---- May 23 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L San Antonio 83-96 -13 Van_Exel 16 Nowitzki 9 Duncan 34 San Antonio out-scored Dallas 58-37 in the 2nd half. San Antonio shot 19-26 FT and Dallas shot just 4-6 FT - both team playoff lows for free throws made and attempted [previous lows were 8-12] (also tied for the 3rd lowest free throws attempted in any league playoff game). San Antonio out-rebounded Dallas 59-36. Dirk Nowitzki's knee buckled early in the 4th quarter and he did not play the rest of the series due to a sprained left knee. Shawn Bradley suffered a sprained MCL in his right knee during the 3rd quarter and missed the rest of the series. Nick Van Exel had 16 points and Nowitzki had 15 points and 9 rebounds. Tim Duncan (SA) had a 20-20 with 34 points and 24 rebounds. It was the 4th time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20 in the playoffs and the 3rd of 4 times Duncan had a 20-20 against Dallas. 24 rebounds is the 2nd most by an opponent in the playoffs [most: 26]. It was the 6th time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds in the playoffs and the 3rd of 4 times Duncan had 20+ rebounds against Dallas. He also had a 20-20 in the next game to become the only Mavs opponent to have back-to-back 20-20s and back-to-back 20+ rebounding games in the playoffs. He shot 12-19 FG and 10-14 FT, had 6 blocks, and had 7 turnovers. Tony Parker (SA) had 29 points. Game 3: San Antonio led series 2-1; San Antonio would win series 4-2 ---- May 25 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L San Antonio 95-102 -7 MF/SN 25 WW/NVE 8 Parker 25 The game was delayed 30 minutes due to a small kitchen fire that caused the AAC to be evacuated. Dallas led 64-55 with 7:20 left in the 3rd quarter and San Antonio went on a 20-3 run to go up 75-67 with 45 seconds left in the 3rd. San Antonio out-scored Dallas 30-18 in the 3rd quarter - the only quarter San Antonio out-scored Dallas. Dallas pulled within 89-91 with 3:25 left, but San Antonio scored the next 5 points. San Antonio shot 6-6 FT in the last minute to preserve the win. San Antonio shot 26-31 FT and Dallas shot 9-13 FT. Steve Nash had 25 points including 5-7 3-pointers, Michael Finley had 25 points, and Nick Van Exel had 22 points and 8 rebounds. Tim Duncan (SA) had a consecutive 20-20 with 21 points and 20 rebounds. It was the 5th time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20 in the playoffs and the 4th of 4 times Duncan (all in the playoffs) had a 20-20 against Dallas. It was the 7th time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds in the playoffs and the 4th of 4 times Duncan had 20+ rebounds against Dallas (and all 4 were in the playoffs). He also had a 20-20 in the previous game to become the only Mavs opponent to have back-to-back 20-20s and back-to-back 20+ rebounding games in the playoffs. He also had 7 assists. Tony Parker (SA) had 25 points and Emanuel Ginobili (SA) had 21 points. Dirk Nowitzki (sprained left knee), Shawn Bradley (sprained right knee), and Evan Eschmeyer (sore left knee) did not play. Game 4: San Antonio led series 3-1; San Antonio would win series 4-2 ---- May 27 Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @San Antonio 103-91 +12 Finley 31 MF/WW/EN 8 Duncan 23 Came back after being down by 19 points in the 2nd quarter, the largest playoff comeback win in team history. Dallas out-scored San Antonio 29-10 in the 4th quarter - 10 points tied the opponent playoff low for points in any quarter. Dallas shot 23-23 FT and San Antonio shot 24-38 FT, just the 11th time in league history a team hit all the free throws they attempted. Michael Finley had 31 points on 9-14 FG and 12-12 FT and 8 rebounds and Nick Van Exel had 21 points. Tim Duncan (SA) had 23 points including 5-12 FT and 15 rebounds and Stephen Jackson (SA) had 20 points. Dirk Nowitzki (sprained left knee), Shawn Bradley (sprained right knee), and Evan Eschmeyer (sore left knee) did not play. Game 5: San Antonio led series 3-2; San Antonio would win series 4-2 ---- May 29 In the Western Conference Finals of the playoffs, San Antonio defeated Dallas 90-78 to take the series 4-2 and eliminate Dallas from the playoffs. Playoffs Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L San Antonio 78-90 -12 Van_Exel 19 LaFrentz 12 Jackson 24 Dallas led 71-58 with 10:53 left and San Antonio went on a 23-0 run (including 5 straight 3-pointers) to go up 81-71 with 3:30 left. Dallas went 7:56 without scoring. After Dallas finally scored with 2:50 left, San Antonio scored the next 7 points to seal the series. San Antonio out-scored Dallas 34-9 in the 4th quarter - 9 points set the team playoff low for points in any quarter. The 4th quarter was the only quarter during the game that San Antonio out-scored Dallas. San Antonio shot 6-9 3-pointers during the 4th. San Antonio shot 10-19 3-pointers and Dallas shot 5-18 3-pointers. Nick Van Exel had 19 points and Walt Williams had 17 points. Stephen Jackson (SA) had 24 points including 5-7 3-pointers, Tim Duncan (SA) had 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Steve Kerr (SA) had 12 points on 4-4 3-pointers (1 3-pointer came late in the 3rd quarter and the other 3 came in the 4th quarter). The home team only won once during the 6 games (game 2 at San Antonio). Michael Finley shot 32-32 FT during the 6 games, setting the league playoff record for most free throws made without a miss in a 6-game series. Dirk Nowitzki (sprained left knee), Shawn Bradley (sprained right knee), and Evan Eschmeyer (sore left knee) did not play. Tony Parker played (but played poorly) despite being ill. Game 6: San Antonio won series 4-2 ==== June 11 Announced they would keep their 2003 2nd round draft pick (#57). As a result, Dallas' 2nd round draft pick for 2004 would go to Miami as completion of the Tim Hardaway trade from 2001. ---- June 26 The NBA draft occurred. Dallas selected: Round Pick Player 1st 29 Josh Howard 2nd 55 Xue Yuyang Draft day trade: Traded the rights to 2nd round draft pick (#57) Xue Yuyang to Denver for a 2004 2nd round draft pick. ---- June 27 Shawn Bradley underwent surgery on his right knee to remove damaged cartilage. ---- June 30 Signed Don Nelson to a new 3 year contract to continue as head coach and GM. His old coaching contract was to expire 7/1/03. ==== July 1 Signed assistant coach Del Harris to a new 3 year contract. His previous contract had just expired. Evan Eschmeyer underwent surgery on both knees. ---- July 3 Signed Josh Howard to a 3 year, $2,590,920 contract with a 4th year worth $1,667,603 at the team's option. ---- July 29 Signed Marquis Daniels to a 1 year, non-guaranteed contract. ==== August 7 Houston signed Dallas free agent Adrian Griffin to a 2 year, minimum contract. ---- August 18 Traded Nick Van Exel, Avery Johnson, Evan Eschmeyer, (a re-signed) Popeye Jones, and Antoine Rigadeau to Golden State for Antawn Jamison, Danny Fortson, Jiri Welsch, and Chris Mills. ---- August 22 Signed Travis Best to a 1 year, minimum contract. ---- August 31 Puerto Rico defeated Canada 79-66 in the Bronze medal game of the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Steve Nash had 10 points and 7 assists in 35 minutes. ==== September 1 Signed Jon Stefansson. ---- September 4 Made the 1 year contract to Marquis Daniels guaranteed. ---- September 8 Italy defeated Germany 86-84 in the elimination round for the European Championship for Men 2003 Tournament. Germany did not advance to the next round. Dirk Nowitzki had 22 points and 5 rebounds in 34 minutes. ---- September 14 Lithuania defeated Spain 93-84 to win the gold medal in the European Championship for Men 2003 Tournament. Donn Nelson was an assistant coach for the Lithuania team. France defeated Italy 69-67 in the Bronze Medal game for the European Championship for Men 2003 Tournament. Tariq Abdul-Wahad had 2 points in 12 minutes. ---- September 26 Utah signed Dallas free agent Raja Bell to a 2 year contract. ---- September 28 Promoted Larry Riley to full time assistant coach. Riley replaced Sidney Moncrief as an assistant coach (Moncrief had left about a month prior). Promoted Rolando Blackman to director of player development. ---- September 30 Signed Josh Powell and Rod Gregoire to 1 year, non-guaranteed contracts. Both would be released before the season started. ==== October 3 Dallas released Rod Gregoire. ---- October 5 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Utah 85-90 -5 AJ/DN 16 Nowitzki 6 RL/AP 10 at Mexico City, Mexico ---- October 7 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Orlando 99-89 +10 Daniels 17 LaFrentz 9 Giricek 21 ---- October 11 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W New Orleans 100-99 +1 Jamison 20 Fortson 12 Armstron 21 ---- October 14 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @LA Clippers 107-128 -21 AJ/JW 19 Fortson 5 Brand 20 ---- October 18 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L Philadelphia 99-102 -3 Jamison 25 Jamison 6 Robinson 20 ---- October 19 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @San Antonio 89-84 +5 Howard 17 Bradley 7 Ginobili 23 ---- October 20 Traded Raef LaFrentz, Jiri Welsch, Chris Mills, and a 2004 1st round draft pick to Boston for Antoine Walker and Tony Delk. Released Josh Powell. Named Michael Finley, Steve Nash, and Dirk Nowitzki as team captains. ---- October 21 Shawn Bradley left the game during the 2nd quarter of the Utah preseason game with a gash above his left eye when his head bumped against Antawn Jamison's knee as Bradley tied up Raja Bell (Uta) for a jumpball. He needed 9 stitches for the injury. Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L Utah 76-92 -16 Nowitzki 19 DN/DF 6 MWilliam 17 ---- October 22 Finished the 2003 preseason with a record of 3-5. Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Sacramento 99-121 -22 Nowitzki 16 Najera 8 Stojakov 25 ---- October 25 In the annual Blue-White scrimmage, the Blue Team defeated the White Team 65-52. For the Blue Team, Dirk Nowitzki had 12 points, Steve Nash had 11 points, Antawn Jamison had 11 points, Michael Finley had 10 points, Danny Fortson had 11 rebounds, and Antoine Walker had 9 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6 turnovers. For the White Team as Josh Howard had 17 points and Marquis Daniels had 17 points. ---- October 27 Placed Jon Stefansson (sprained left ankle) and Tariq Abdul-Wahad (left knee tendinitis) on IR. Both would remain on IR for the entire season. ---- October 28 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @LA Lakers 93-109 -16 AW/DN 19 Nowitzki 13 GPayton 21 Game #1, current record: 0-1, streak: lost 1; final record: 52-30 ---- October 29 Start of the 2003-04 season. Dallas would finish the season with a record of 52-30. Josh Howard suffered a sprained right ankle during the Golden State game. He would miss the next 2 games due to the injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Golden State 95-87 +8 Nowitzki 29 Nowitzki 15 CRobinso 18 Josh Howard suffered a sprained right ankle during the game. He would miss the next 2 games due to the injury. Game #2, current record: 1-1, streak: won 1; final record: 52-30 ==== November 1 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Utah 127-102 +25 Delk 22 Jamison 10 Stevenso 24 Josh Howard did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 1st of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #3, current record: 2-1, streak: won 2; final record: 52-30 ---- November 3 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Miami 103-93 +10 Nowitzki 30 Walker 9 UHaslem 20 Josh Howard did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 2nd of 2 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #4, current record: 3-1, streak: won 3; final record: 52-30 ---- November 5 Gilbert Arenas (Was) had a triple-double with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was the 44th time a Mavs opponent had a triple-double. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Washington 90-100 -10 Jamison 21 Jamison 9 GArenas 25 Steve Nash suffered a partially dislocated left shoulder during the 1st quarter. He would miss the next game due to the injury. Gilbert Arenas had a triple-double with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was the 44th time a Mavs opponent had a triple-double. Game #5, current record: 3-2, streak: lost 1; final record: 52-30 ---- November 6 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Toronto 71-77 -6 Nowitzki 27 Walker 17 VCarter 19 Steve Nash did not play due to a strained left shoulder (the only game he would miss due to the injury). Game #6, current record: 3-3, streak: lost 2; final record: 52-30 ---- November 8 Tony Delk left the San Antonio game during the 3rd quarter with a strained left hamstring and did not return. He would miss the next 5 games due to the injury. Malik Rose (SA) had a 20-20 with 20 points and 22 rebounds. It was the 33rd time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20. It was the 59th time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @San Antonio 81-78 +3 Jamison 20 Nowitzki 11 MRose 20 Tony Delk left during the 3rd quarter with a strained left hamstring and did not return. He would miss the next 5 games due to the injury. Malik Rose had a 20-20 with 20 points and 22 rebounds. It was the 33rd time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20. It was the 59th time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds. Game #7, current record: 4-3, streak: won 1; final record: 52-30 ---- November 11 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W New Orleans 125-97 +28 Walker 21 Fortson 11 BDavis 25 Tony Delk did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 1st of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #8, current record: 5-3, streak: won 2; final record: 52-30 ---- November 13 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Houston 97-86 +11 Nowitzki 23 Walker 12 JJackson 23 Tony Delk did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 2nd of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #9, current record: 6-3, streak: won 3; final record: 52-30 ---- November 15 Dirk Nowitzki bumped heads with James Posey during the Memphis game midway through the 3rd quarter. He left the game to receive 8 stitches, but was able to return late in the 4th quarter. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Memphis(OT) 101-108 -7 DN/MF 19 Nowitzki 11 MMiller 22 Dirk Nowitzki bumped heads with James Posey midway through the 3rd quarter. He left the game to receive 8 stitches, but was able to return late in the 4th quarter. Tony Delk did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 3rd of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Loss ended an 11 game winning streak vs Memphis with the Grizzlies' last win vs Dallas occurring on 11/8/00 (when they were in Vancouver - Dallas won the first 8 games vs the Memphis Grizzlies). Game #10, current record: 6-4, streak: lost 1; final record: 52-30 ---- November 17 Steve Nash had a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. It was the 25th time a Mavs player had a triple-double and the only time Nash had a triple-double with Dallas. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Portland 105-98 +7 Finley 25 Nash 10 RWallace 31 Steve Nash had a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. It was the 25th time a Mavs player had a triple-double and the only time Nash had a triple-double with Dallas. Shawn Bradley did not play due to a sprained left knee (the only game he would miss due to the injury). Tony Delk did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 4th of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #11, current record: 7-4, streak: won 1; final record: 52-30 ---- November 20 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W San Antonio 95-92 +3 Nowitzki 26 Walker 11 TDuncan 30 Antawn Jamison did not play in the 4th quarter due to a strained right hamstring. He would not miss any other games due to the injury. Tony Delk did not play due to a strained left hamstring (the 5th of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #12, current record: 8-4, streak: won 2; final record: 52-30 ---- November 21 Sarah Melton was promoted to head of Mavs Media PR. Gregg Elkin left the position to head the Texas Rangers' PR department. ---- November 22 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Denver 115-101 +14 Jamison 26 Walker 14 AMiller 22 Game #13, current record: 9-4, streak: won 3; final record: 52-30 ---- November 25 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Chicago 124-98 +26 Finley 28 Fortson 13 Chandler 17 It was Chicago's 1st game after head coach Bill Cartwright was fired. Game #14, current record: 10-4, streak: won 4; final record: 52-30 ---- November 26 Dirk Nowitzki suffered a sprained right ankle during the 1st quarter of the Phoenix game and did not return. He would miss the next 5 games due to the injury. Danny Fortson committed an ugly flagrant foul on Zarko Cabarkapa during the 4th quarter of the Phoenix game and was ejected. Cabarkapa broke his wrist when he landed. Fortson would be suspended for 3 games for the flagrant. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Phoenix 90-121 -31 Jamison 17 Walker 8 JJohnson 21 Dirk Nowitzki suffered a sprained right ankle during the 1st quarter of the Phoenix game and did not return. He would miss the next 5 games due to the injury. Danny Fortson committed an ugly flagrant foul on Zarko Cabarkapa during the 4th quarter of the Phoenix game and was ejected. Cabarkapa broke his wrist when he landed. Fortson would be suspended for 3 games for the flagrant. Game #15, current record: 10-5, streak: lost 1; final record: 52-30 ---- November 28 The NBA suspended Danny Fortson for 3 games for his flagrant foul on Zarko Cabarkapa (Pho) during the 11/26/03 Phoenix game. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Denver 103-113 -10 Walker 30 Walker 15 CAnthony 26 Dirk Nowitzki did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 1st of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #16, current record: 10-6, streak: lost 2; final record: 52-30 ---- November 29 Kevin Garnett (Min) had a 20-20 with 28 points and 20 rebounds. It was the 34th time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20 and the 1st of 2 times Garnett had a 20-20 against Dallas. It was the 60th time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds and the 2nd of 3 times Garnett had 20+ rebounds against Dallas. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Minnesota 92-88 +4 Finley 25 Jamison 13 KGarnett 28 Kevin Garnett had a 20-20 with 28 points and 20 rebounds. It was the 34th time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20 and the 1st of 2 times Garnett had a 20-20 against Dallas. It was the 60th time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds and the 2nd of 3 times Garnett had 20+ rebounds against Dallas. Dirk Nowitzki did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 2nd of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #17, current record: 11-6, streak: won 1; final record: 52-30 ==== December 2 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Washington 97-72 +25 Jamison 21 Finley 12 Hughes 12 Dirk Nowitzki did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 3rd of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #18, current record: 12-6, streak: won 2; final record: 52-30 ---- December 3 Reached a contract extension with 103.3 FM ESPN for the Mavs games to continue to be broadcast on ESPN through 05-06. ---- December 4 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L LA Lakers 103-114 -11 Nash 30 Howard 14 KBryant 32 Dirk Nowitzki did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 4th of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #19, current record: 12-7, streak: lost 1; final record: 52-30 ---- December 5 The NBA suspended Karl Malone (LAL) for 1 game for the elbow he threw at Steve Nash during 12/4/03 Dallas-Lakers game. ---- December 6 The NBA fined Don Nelson $7,500 for criticizing the refs. Nelson questioned how the refs would treat Danny Fortson following Fortson's flagrant foul and said that the refs still treat Eduardo Najera different as a result of Najera's inadvertent bump of a ref the previous season. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Orlando 110-97 +13 Walker 24 Walker 16 TMcGrady 27 Dirk Nowitzki did not play due to a sprained right ankle (the 5th of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #20, current record: 13-7, streak: won 1; final record: 52-30 ---- December 10 Michael Finley suffered a sprained right big toe during the 3rd quarter of the LA Clippers game. He continued to play with the injury during the game, but did miss the next 5 games due to the injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @LA Clippers 99-100 -1 Finley 38 Jamison 8 Maggette 30 Game #21, current record: 13-8, streak: lost 1; final record: 52-30 ---- December 12 With their win, Dallas snapped a 13 year, 26 game losing streak vs the Lakers in LA. Shawn Bradley did not play in the 2nd half of the Lakers game due to back spasms. He missed the next 8 games due to the injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @LA Lakers 110-93 +17 AW/DN 27 Howard 13 SO'Neal 25 Shawn Bradley did not play in the 2nd half of the Lakers game due to back spasms. He missed the next 8 games due to the injury. Michael Finley did not play due to a sprained right big toe (the 1st of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #22, current record: 14-8, streak: won 1; final record: 52-30 ---- December 15 With the win over Toronto, Don Nelson passed Pat Riley on the NBA career coaching win list. He had the 2nd most coaching wins in NBA history with 1,110. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Toronto 111-94 +17 Walker 27 Howard 14 VCarter 21 With the win, Don Nelson passed Pat Riley on the NBA career coaching win list. He had the 2nd most coaching wins in NBA history with 1,110. Michael Finley did not play due to a sprained right big toe (the 2nd of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Shawn Bradley did not play due to back spasms (the 1st of 8 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #23, current record: 15-8, streak: won 2; final record: 52-30 ---- December 17 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Boston 103-105 -2 Nowitzki 30 Fortson 16 PPierce 25 Michael Finley did not play due to a sprained right big toe (the 3rd of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Shawn Bradley did not play due to back spasms (the 2nd of 8 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #24, current record: 15-9, streak: lost 1; final record: 52-30 ---- December 18 Kevin Garnett (Min) had a triple-double with 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was the 45th time a Mavs opponent had a triple-double. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Minnesota 109-114 -5 Nash 27 Fortson 9 KGarnett 35 Kevin Garnett had a triple-double with 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was the 45th time a Mavs opponent had a triple-double. Michael Finley did not play due to a sprained right big toe (the 4th of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Shawn Bradley did not play due to back spasms (the 3rd of 8 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #25, current record: 15-10, streak: lost 2; final record: 52-30 ---- December 20 Elton Brand (LAC) had a 20-20 with 22 points and 20 rebounds. It was the 35th time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20. It was the 61st time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L LA Clippers 105-115 -10 Jamison 26 Fortson 10 Maggette 26 Elton Brand had a 20-20 with 22 points and 20 rebounds. It was the 35th time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20. It was the 61st time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds. Don Nelson did not coach due to the flu. Michael Finley did not play due to a sprained right big toe (the 5th of 5 games he would miss due to the injury). Shawn Bradley did not play due to back spasms (the 4th of 8 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #26, current record: 15-11, streak: lost 3; final record: 52-30 ---- December 22 Steve Nash underwent a root canal to try to save the tooth that Karl Malone (LAL) knocked loose in the 12/12/03 Dallas-LA Lakers game. ---- December 23 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 L @Portland 88-97 -9 Jamison 20 Nowitzki 9 Randolph 27 Shawn Bradley did not play due to back spasms (the 5th of 8 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #27, current record: 15-12, streak: lost 4; final record: 52-30 ---- December 25 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W @Sacramento 111-103 +8 Nowitzki 31 Nowitzki 14 MBibby 23 Shawn Bradley did not play due to back spasms (the 6th of 8 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #28, current record: 16-12, streak: won 1; final record: 52-30 ---- December 27 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Memphis 104-98 +6 Finley 24 Nowitzki 17 BWells 30 Eduardo Najera did not play due to a sore left knee (the 1st of 24 games he would miss due to the injury). Shawn Bradley did not play due to back spasms (the 7th of 8 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #29, current record: 17-12, streak: won 2; final record: 52-30 ---- December 30 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 2003 W Milwaukee 101-92 +9 Walker 22 Walker 14 MRedd 25 Eduardo Najera did not play due to a sore left knee (the 2nd of 17 games he would miss due to the injury). Shawn Bradley did not play due to back spasms (the 8th of 8 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #30, current record: 18-12, streak: won 3; final record: 52-30 ====