Mavericks clinch top record in league, first ever in team history

Dirk Nowitzki: the man, the myth, the legend. One of the most vibrant players in the league seems like he has waited forever to win an NBA title, and even though he's played on some great teams through his career with the Dallas Mavericks, there has not been any as steady as the Mavs have been this year. By defeating the Clips on Monday, Dallas clinched their first-ever league's "best record" and the first in franchise history.

In the Western Conference, winning the top seed is definitely something to brag about; Nowitzki's season has been nothing short of "Jordan-esque", and he may very well dethrone Steve Nash from the MVP's 2-year streak. As coach Avery Johnson belonged to some very good San Antonio teams that stressed defense, the Mavs also have shown the same type of tenacity in wearing teams down in almost every game they've won. While the staple for Dallas for several years has been to outgun the competition, this year they remind me of the 80's Pistons teams, but less Laimbeer-ish. (Thank god)

Many still argue that the Suns, with Nash and a much deeper "star-laden" team, will be able to overcome the Mavericks and control the tempo; I beg to differ. With Nowitzki leading the way, you've got a proven commodity and a much more mature backcourt that can defend Nash as good as anyone can. Still, there can't be much stock put into the league's best record (only 2 of the last 6 have won the title), so the Mavericks definitely can't just phone it in. The West will be a shootout to say the least--and while I would love to see the Suns do it, this Dallas team just seems to be too good, too deep, and too consistent. Unless Phoenix, San Antonio, or Utah can break the defensive stalwart that is the forefront of the Mavs' game, I am envisioning Dirk holding up two trophies: the championship and the MVP. So what's the odds that Mark Cuban signs Nowitzki to a 10-year contract after that???

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Mavericks clinch top record in league, first ever in team history

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