Head coach Don Nelson Record 57–25 (.695) | Owner(s) Mark Cuban | |
Arena American Airlines Center Place Division: 2nd (Midwest)
Conference: 4th (Western) Playoff finish West Conference Semifinals
(eliminated 1-4) | ||
The 2001–02 NBA season was the Mavericks' 22nd season in the NBA. It was also their first season playing at American Airlines Center. During the offseason, the Mavericks acquired All-Star point guard Tim Hardaway from the Miami Heat, but later on traded him at midseason along with Juwan Howard to the Denver Nuggets for Nick Van Exel and Raef LaFrentz. Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash were both selected to the 2002 NBA All-Star Game for the first time in their careers. They finished fourth in the Western Conference and second in the Midwest Division with a 57–25 record, and made the playoffs in back to back seasons for the first time since 1988. In the Western Conference Quarterfinals, the Mavericks swept the Minnesota Timberwolves in three straight games, but then lost the next series in five games to the Sacramento Kings.
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For the season, the Mavericks changed their logo and uniforms. The home jerseys lasted until 2014, while the road jerseys lasted until 2010. Their primary logo is still present as of 2017.
Roster Notes
West First Round
(4) Dallas Mavericks vs. (5) Minnesota Timberwolves Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first meeting between the Mavericks and Timberwolves.
Dirk Nowitzki was virtually unstoppable in this series, averaging around 33 points and 16 rebounds per game.
West Conference Semifinals
(1) Sacramento Kings vs. (4) Dallas Mavericks Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first meeting between the Kings and Mavericks.