Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks play in the Southwest Division of the NBA's Western Conference. The Mavericks were founded in 1980 and are currently owned by Mark Cuban. The Mavericks are the third most valuable basketball franchise behind the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers.Forbes.com: NBA Team Valuations

Everything Dallas Mavericks

Recent Years

The Mavericks had several successful seasons before finally making it to the NBA Finals in 2006. They managed to take a commanding 2-0 series lead against the Miami Heat. However, the Heat would take the next four games on their way to winning their first NBA Championship. The Mavs would bounce back the following year, finishing with the league's best record and Dirk Nowitzki winning the MVP award. They faced the 8th seeded Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2007 NBA Playoffs. The Warriors beat the Mavericks in 6 games, leading many to call it the biggest upset in NBA history.

Another first round playoff exit in 2008 led to the firing of head coach Avery Johnson. He was replaced in May 2008 with former Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle.DallasNews.com: Dallas Mavericks fire Avery Johnson (April 30, 2008)