DALLAS — After reaching the 50-win plateau for the first time since capturing 57 victories en route the first NBA title in franchise history during the 2010-11 season, the Dallas Mavericks now find themselves squaring off against a familiar foe in the first round of the playoffs.
Downing the Portland Trail Blazers in the regular-season finale Wednesday night following a 114-98 win, the Mavericks (50-32) seized the 14th 50-win campaign in franchise history. Now, after a sequence of events led to the Houston Rockets being crowned the Southwest Division champions to secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, the Mavs will see the in-state rivalry renewed as the two teams meet in the playoffs for the first time since 2005.