Fresh off a successful 60-22 record and an appearance against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals in the 02-03 season, the Dallas Mavericks had their sights high for the next year.
Dirk Nowitzki was still only 25 and heading into his prime along with veteran and leader of the team, 30-year-old Michael Finley. The number one offense in the league was run by future hall of fame point guard, Steve Nash.
On paper, the roster was stacked with shooters and players that could fit into Don Nelson‘s, “Nellie Ball.