I became a die hard Mavericks fan in 2002 at the height of the "Big Three" era featuring Nowitzki, Nash and Finley. Even after losing 4-1 to the Sacramento Kings in the conference semifinals that year, the team looked poised to do big things. And with Nowitzki as the centerpiece, the Mavs would go on a run of 12 straight playoff appearances, including two trips to the Finals. As a high school student, I would often show up to class sleep deprived after staying up late to watch Dallas win a shootout in Seattle or Oakland.
Mavericks, Cowboys on diverging paths thanks to draft strategy
