2002–03 Dallas Mavericks season

Mavericks' 23rd NBA season March 2026 August 2023 Dallas Mavericks 2003 60 22 Midwest 2 3 Don Nelson Don Nelson Donnie Nelson Mark Cuban American Airlines Center Western Conference finals(lost to Spurs 2–4) DAL Fox Sports Net Southwest KTXA KTVT KESN The 2002–03 Dallas Mavericks season was the 23rd season for the Dallas Mavericks in the National Basketball Association. Dallas Mavericks Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DAL/ August 6, 2026 Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the Mavericks signed free agents Walt Williams, Mavericks Sign Walt Williams United Press International October 18, 2002 https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/10/18/Mavericks-sign-Walt-Williams/30581034980824/ June 12, 2022 and Raja Bell. Western Conference: Team-by-Team Preview The New York Times October 28, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/28/sports/basketball/teambyteam-preview-2002102890660337665.html July 16, 2022 Regular season The Mavericks got off to a fast start by winning their first fourteen games of the regular season; the team defeated the Detroit Pistons on the road, 102–82 at The Palace of Auburn Hills on November 27, 2002, to extend their winning streak to fourteen games, which was one win short of tying the NBA record set by the 1948–49 Washington Capitols, and the 1993–94 Houston Rockets, who both won their first fifteen games of the regular season. Associated Press Finley's Shooting Puts Dallas at 14-0 Los Angeles Times November 28, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-nov-28-sp-mavericks-story.html August 24, 2017 Dallas Mavericks at Detroit Pistons Box Score, November 27, 2002 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200211270DET.html February 2, 2026 However, the team's winning streak ended after losing to the Indiana Pacers on the road, 110–98 at the Conseco Fieldhouse on November 28. Dallas Mavericks at Indiana Pacers Box Score, November 28, 2002 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200211280IND.html February 2, 2026 The Mavericks later on held a 38–10 record at the All-Star break, NBA Games Played on February 6, 2003 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=6&year=2003 September 13, 2022 finished in second place in the Midwest Division with a 60–22 record, and earned the third seed in the Western Conference; the Mavericks lost the tie-breaker with the San Antonio Spurs for the Midwest Division title. 2002–03 Dallas Mavericks Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DAL/2003_games.html July 30, 2021 Dirk Nowitzki averaged 25.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, led the Mavericks with 148 three-point field goals, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team, while Michael Finley averaged 19.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, along with 119 three-point field goals, and Steve Nash provided the team with 17.7 points and 7.3 assists per game, contributed 111 three-point field goals, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team. In addition, sixth man Nick Van Exel contributed 12.5 points and 4.3 assists per game, along with 118 three-point field goals off the bench, while Raef LaFrentz provided with 9.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, and Shawn Bradley averaged 6.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Eduardo Nájera averaged 6.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, but only played just 48 games, Williams contributed 5.5 points per game, Adrian Griffin provided with 4.4 points per game, and Bell contributed 3.1 points per game. 2002–03 Dallas Mavericks Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DAL/2003.html July 30, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Nowitzki and Nash were both selected for the 2003 NBA All-Star Game, as members of the Western Conference All-Star team. Sheridan Chris Something Old, Something New on Court at All-Star Game Ocala Star-Banner February 9, 2003 https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2003/02/09/something-old-something-new-on-court-at-all-star-game/31273551007/ January 28, 2026 NBA.com Staff 2003 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2003 January 28, 2026 2003 NBA All-Star Game: West 155, East 145 (2OT) Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2003.html January 28, 2026 Nowitzki finished in seventh place in Most Valuable Player voting, while Nash finished tied in eleventh place; 2002–03 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2003.html January 28, 2026 Nowitzki also finished tied in 14th place in Most Improved Player voting, while Nash finished tied in 26th place, Van Exel finished in fourth place in Sixth Man of the Year voting, and head coach Don Nelson finished in eighth place in Coach of the Year voting. The Mavericks finished third in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 816,429 at the American Airlines Center during the regular season. 2002–03 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2003.html February 3, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Western Conference First Round of the 2003 NBA playoffs, the Mavericks faced off against the 6th–seeded Portland Trail Blazers, a team that featured Rasheed Wallace, Bonzi Wells and Derek Anderson. The Mavericks won the first two games over the Trail Blazers at home at the American Airlines Center, before winning Game 3 on the road, 115–103 at the Rose Garden Arena to take a 3–0 series lead. However, the Mavericks lost the next three games, which included a Game 6 loss to the Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden Arena, 125–103. With the series tied at 3–3, the Mavericks won Game 7 over the Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center, 107–95 to win in a hard-fought seven-game series. Crowe Jerry Mavericks Find Touch at the End, Finally Los Angeles Times May 5, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-05-sp-mavericks5-story.html June 11, 2022 Smith Sam Mavericks Wake Up, Win Series The Washington Post May 5, 2003 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2003/05/05/mavericks-wake-up-win-series/f5376295-ab6a-46fb-ac40-006ef0e69b51/ January 13, 2022 2003 NBA Western Conference First Round: Trail Blazers vs. Mavericks Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2003-nba-western-conference-first-round-trail-blazers-vs-mavericks.html January 31, 2026 In the Western Conference Semi-finals, and for the second consecutive year, the team faced off against the 2nd–seeded, and Pacific Division champion Sacramento Kings, who were led by the trio of All-Star forward Chris Webber, All-Star forward Peja Stojaković, and Mike Bibby. The Mavericks lost Game 1 to the Kings at the American Airlines Center, 124–113, Crowe Jerry Kings Execute Against Dallas Los Angeles Times May 7, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-07-sp-kings7-story.html September 13, 2022 but managed to win Game 2 at home, 132–110, in which the Kings lost Webber to a season-ending knee injury. Associated Press Mavericks Rout Kings, Who May Lose Webber Los Angeles Times May 9, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-09-sp-kings9-story.html September 13, 2022 Fernas Rob Kings Lose Webber for Rest of Playoffs Los Angeles Times May 10, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-10-sp-webber10-story.html September 13, 2022 The Mavericks won Game 3 over the Kings on the road in double-overtime, 141–137 at the ARCO Arena II, as Van Exel scored 40 points off the bench to help the Mavericks take a 2–1 series lead. Crowe Jerry With Webber Out, Kings Left Hurting Los Angeles Times May 11, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-11-sp-nbawest11-story.html September 13, 2022 After holding a 3–2 series lead, the Mavericks lost Game 6 at the ARCO Arena II, 115–109 as the Kings evened the series. The Mavericks won Game 7 over the Kings at the American Airlines Center, 112–99 to win in another hard-fought seven-game series, and advance to the Conference Finals for the first time since the 1987–88 season. Broussard Chris Pro Basketball: Mavs Are No Softies, Ousting Kings The New York Times May 18, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/18/sports/pro-basketball-mavs-are-no-softies-ousting-kings.html January 13, 2022 Crowe Jerry Mavericks Apply the Chokehold Los Angeles Times May 18, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-18-sp-nbawest18-story.html June 11, 2022 2003 NBA Western Conference Semifinals: Kings vs. Mavericks Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2003-nba-western-conference-semifinals-kings-vs-mavericks.html January 31, 2026 In the Western Conference Finals, the Mavericks then faced off against the top–seeded, and Midwest Division champion Spurs, who were led by the trio of All-Star forward, and Most Valuable Player of the Year, Tim Duncan, second-year star Tony Parker, and David Robinson. The Mavericks won Game 1 over the Spurs, 113–110 at the SBC Center, but then lost Game 2 on the road, 119–106. In Game 3 at the American Airlines Center, Nowitzki suffered a season-ending knee injury, as the Mavericks lost to the Spurs, 96–83, Broussard Chris Pro Basketball: Spurs Win, and the Mavericks May Lose Nowitzki The New York Times May 24, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/24/sports/pro-basketball-spurs-win-and-the-mavericks-may-lose-nowitzki.html October 27, 2022 Associated Press Mavericks' Nowitzki Doubtful for Game 4 Los Angeles Times May 25, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-25-sp-nbawest25-story.html June 11, 2022 and then lost Game 4 at home, 102–95. The Mavericks managed to win Game 5 at the SBC Center, 103–91, but then lost Game 6 to the Spurs at the American Airlines Center, 90–78, thus losing the series in six games. Associated Press Kerr's Shooting Helps Spurs Advance Past Mavericks, 90-78 The New York Times May 29, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/29/sports/basketball/kerrs-shooting-helps-spurs-advance-past-mavericks-9078.html January 13, 2022 Heisler Mark Mavericks Collapse in Biggest of Ways Los Angeles Times May 30, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-30-sp-nbawest30-story.html June 11, 2022 2003 NBA Western Conference Finals: Mavericks vs. Spurs Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2003-nba-western-conference-finals-mavericks-vs-spurs.html January 31, 2026 The Spurs would go on to defeat the New Jersey Nets in six games in the 2003 NBA Finals, winning their second NBA championship in franchise history. Associated Press Spurs Defeat Nets to Win N.B.A. Title The New York Times June 15, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/15/sports/basketball/spurs-defeat-nets-to-win-nba-title.html January 13, 2022 Heisler Mark Spurs Reduce the 'Risk Los Angeles Times June 16, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jun-16-sp-nbafinals16-story.html June 11, 2022 2003 NBA Finals: Nets vs. Spurs Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2003-nba-finals-nets-vs-spurs.html January 31, 2026 Aftermath Following the season, Van Exel and Avery Johnson were both traded to the Golden State Warriors, Associated Press Mavericks Get Jamison from the Warriors The New York Times August 18, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/18/sports/basketball/mavericks-get-jamison-from-the-warriors.html June 11, 2022 Associated Press Mavericks Get Jamison in Nine-Player Trade Los Angeles Times August 19, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-aug-19-sp-newswire19-story.html October 27, 2022 while LaFrentz was traded to the Boston Celtics. Broussard Chris Pro Basketball: Dallas Acquires Antoine Walker, Adding Even More Scoring Punch The New York Times October 21, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/21/sports/pro-basketball-dallas-acquires-antoine-walker-adding-even-more-scoring-punch.html?mcubz=0 June 22, 2022 Mavericks Get Walker Los Angeles Times October 21, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-oct-21-sp-nbarep21-story.html October 27, 2022 Meanwhile, Griffin signed as a free agent with the Houston Rockets, Transactions The New York Times August 8, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/08/sports/transactions-828157.html October 27, 2022 Bell signed with the Utah Jazz, and Williams retired. Offseason Draft picks 2002 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 2 54 Mladen Šekularac SF Roster Dallas Mavericks 2002–03 #1D2951 #A6A6A6 #0055BA #FFFFFF 9 Tariq Abdul-Wahad G 6 6 223 1973–11–03 San Jose State 11 Raja Bell G 6 5 204 1976–09–19 FIU 44 Shawn Bradley C 7 6 235 1972–03–22 BYU 42 Evan Eschmeyer C 6 11 255 1975–05–30 Northwestern 4 Michael Finley F 6 7 225 1973–03–06 Wisconsin 7 Adrian Griffin G 6 5 217 1974–07–04 Seton Hall 6 Avery Johnson G 5 10 175 1965–03–25 Southern 54 Popeye Jones F 6 8 250 1970–06–17 Murray State 45 Raef LaFrentz C 7 0 240 1976–05–29 Kansas 14 Eduardo Nájera F 6 8 235 1976–07–11 Oklahoma 13 Steve Nash G 6 3 180 1974–02–07 Santa Clara 41 Dirk Nowitzki F 7 0 245 1978–06–19 Germany 17 Antoine Rigaudeau G 6 7 210 1971–12–17 France 31 Nick Van Exel G 6 1 170 1971–11–27 Cincinnati 43 Walt Williams basketball F 6 8 219 1970–04–16 Maryland Don Nelson Rolando Blackman Brad Davis (player development) Del Harris Sidney Moncrief Donnie Nelson Charlie Parker Larry Riley https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DAL/2003.html January 17, 2003 Roster Notes Center Shawn Bradley also holds American citizenship, but he played for the German national team and was born in Germany. Regular season Season standings DAL DAL z – clinched division title y – clinched division title x – clinched playoff spot Game log Dallas Mavericks 2003 Total: 60–22 (home: 33–8; road: 27–14) Dallas Mavericks October yes 0 0 1 0 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 1 | October 30 | @ Memphis | 20021030 MEM 119 108 | Steve Nash (24) | Dirk Nowitzki (11) | Steve Nash (13) | Pyramid Arena16,638 | 1–0 Dallas Mavericks November 8 0 6 1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 2 | November 2 | Phoenix | 20021102 DAL 97 83 | Dirk Nowitzki (22) | Shawn Bradley (8) | Steve Nash (8) | American Airlines Center19,783 | 2–0 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | November 4 | Golden State | 20021104 DAL 107 100 | Steve Nash (30) | Dirk Nowitzki (13) | Steve Nash (5) | American Airlines Center19,368 | 3–0 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | November 6 | @ Toronto | 20021106 TOR 106 92 | Dirk Nowitzki (28) | Nowitzki, Bradley (13) | Steve Nash (6) | Air Canada Centre19,800 | 4–0 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 5 | November 8 | @ Chicago | 20021108 CHI 114 87 | Dirk Nowitzki (24) | Bradley, Williams (11) | Steve Nash (6) | United Center21,028 | 5–0 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 6 | November 9 | Detroit | 20021109 DAL 114 75 | Michael Finley (25) | Dirk Nowitzki (8) | Steve Nash (10) | American Airlines Center19,644 | 6–0 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 7 | November 11 | Portland | 20021111 DAL 82 73 | Dirk Nowitzki (26) | Shawn Bradley (18) | Steve Nash (7) | American Airlines Center19,548 | 7–0 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 8 | November 13 | @ Cleveland | 20021113 CLE 103 99 | Michael Finley (26) | Dirk Nowitzki (12) | Steve Nash (7) | Gund Arena12,764 | 8–0 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 9 | November 15 | @ Boston | 20021115 BOS 97 86 | Dirk Nowitzki (32) | Dirk Nowitzki (9) | Steve Nash (9) | FleetCenter18,624 | 9–0 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 10 | November 16 | @ New Jersey | 20021116 NJN 96 88 | Steve Nash (30) | Michael Finley (13) | Steve Nash (9) | Continental Airlines Arena16,634 | 10–0 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 12 | November 19 | L.A. Lakers | 20021119 DAL 98 72 | Steve Nash (21) | Dirk Nowitzki (17) | Steve Nash (6) | American Airlines Center20,096 | 11–0 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 12 | November 21 | Houston | 20021121 DAL 103 90 | Michael Finley (28) | Eduardo Nájera (11) | Steve Nash (8) | American Airlines Center19,853 | 12–0 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 13 | November 23 | Seattle | 20021123 DAL 115 105 | Finley, Nowitzki (29) | Michael Finley (11) | Steve Nash (8) | American Airlines Center20,011 | 13–0 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 14 | November 27 | @ Detroit | 20021127 DET 102 82 | Michael Finley (42) | Dirk Nowitzki (15) | Steve Nash (7) | The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 | 14–0 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 15 | November 28 | @ Indiana | 20021128 IND 98 110 | Steve Nash (29) | Dirk Nowitzki (8) | Steve Nash (9) | Conseco Fieldhouse17,948 | 14–1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 16 | November 30 | Chicago | 20021130 DAL 103 90 | Steve Nash (18) | Dirk Nowitzki (11) | Nash, Van Exel (7) | American Airlines Center19,940 | 15–1 Dallas Mavericks December 6 2 4 2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 17 | December 2 | Toronto | 20021202 DAL 113 102 | Steve Nash (25) | Shawn Bradley (8) | Steve Nash (7) | American Airlines Center19,696 | 16–1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 18 | December 4 | @ Portland | 20021204 POR 103 88 | Dirk Nowitzki (26) | Dirk Nowitzki (15) | Nick Van Exel (7) | Rose Garden Arena18,452 | 17–1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 19 | December 6 | @ L.A. Lakers | 20021206 LAL 103 105 | Nick Van Exel (25) | Dirk Nowitzki (12) | Steve Nash (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 17–2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 20 | December 7 | @ Golden State | 20021207 GSW 121 116 | Dirk Nowitzki (35) | Shawn Bradley (11) | Nick Van Exel (5) | The Arena in Oakland16,355 | 18–2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 21 | December 10 | L.A. Clippers | 20021210 DAL 122 95 | Finley, Van Exel (24) | Shawn Bradley (11) | Steve Nash (7) | American Airlines Center19,715 | 19–2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 22 | December 11 | @ San Antonio | 20021211 SAS 104 111 | Michael Finley (36) | Finley, Williams (8) | Steve Nash (10) | SBC Center17,632 | 19–3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 23 | December 14 | Memphis | 20021214 DAL 104 87 | Steve Nash (26) | Shawn Bradley (18) | Nash, Van Exel (7) | American Airlines Center19,732 | 20–3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 24 | December 17 | Indiana | 20021217 DAL 118 97 | Michael Finley (33) | Michael Finley (13) | Nick Van Exel (10) | American Airlines Center19,954 | 21–3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 25 | December 18 | @ Denver | 20021218 DEN 80 75 | Michael Finley (31) | Shawn Bradley (12) | Nick Van Exel (6) | Pepsi Center13,183 | 22–3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 26 | December 20 | Utah | 20021220 DAL 81 93 | Dirk Nowitzki (28) | Dirk Nowitzki (17) | Steve Nash (5) | American Airlines Center19,826 | 22–4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 27 | December 23 | Washington | 20021223 DAL 92 86 | Dirk Nowitzki (30) | Dirk Nowitzki (17) | Steve Nash (5) | American Airlines Center20,119 | 23–4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 28 | December 26 | @ New Orleans | 20021226 NOH 83 81 | Dirk Nowitzki (23) | Nick Van Exel (11) | Steve Nash (7) | New Orleans Arena18,015 | 24–4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 29 | December 28 | New York | 20021228 DAL 107 82 | Nowitzki, Nash (19) | Nowitzki, Bradley (9) | Dirk Nowitzki (7) | American Airlines Center20,060 | 25–4 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 30 | December 30 | Milwaukee | 20021230 DAL 107 110 | Dirk Nowitzki (40) | Dirk Nowitzki (14) | Nowitzki, Van Exel (5) | American Airlines Center19,939 | 25–5 Dallas Mavericks January 6 1 5 3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 31 | January 2 | L.A. Clippers | 20030102 DAL 102 92 | Steve Nash (24) | Dirk Nowitzki (10) | Steve Nash (7) | American Airlines Center19,884 | 26–5 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 32 | January 4 | Philadelphia | 20030104 DAL 102 83 | Dirk Nowitzki (29) | Shawn Bradley (11) | Steve Nash (8) | American Airlines Center20,124 | 27–5 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 33 | January 6 | Denver | 20030106 DAL 86 71 | Michael Finley (19) | Raef LaFrentz (11) | Finley, Van Exel (5) | American Airlines Center19,773 | 28–5 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 34 | January 8 | @ Atlanta | 20030108 ATL 117 99 | Dirk Nowitzki (30) | Dirk Nowitzki (14) | Steve Nash (8) | Philips Arena10,997 | 29–5 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 35 | January 10 | Boston | 20030110 DAL 103 78 | Dirk Nowitzki (28) | Adrian Griffin (12) | Michael Finley (7) | American Airlines Center20,032 | 30–5 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 36 | January 12 | @ L.A. Clippers | 20030112 LAC 96 90 | Steve Nash (24) | Nash, Bradley (9) | Steve Nash (6) | Staples Center18,087 | 31–5 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 37 | January 15 | @ Sacramento | 20030115 SAC 94 123 | Nick Van Exel (20) | Dirk Nowitzki (9) | Steve Nash (7) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 31–6 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 38 | January 17 | @ Phoenix | 20030117 PHO 106 111 | Steve Nash (32) | Dirk Nowitzki (14) | Nowitzki, Van Exel (4) | America West Arena19,023 | 31–7 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 39 | January 19 | @ Seattle | 20030119 SEA 81 85 | Michael Finley (16) | Dirk Nowitzki (14) | Dirk Nowitzki (6) | KeyArena16,359 | 31–8 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 40 | January 21 | Houston | 20030121 DAL 107 86 | Dirk Nowitzki (26) | Dirk Nowitzki (8) | Steve Nash (8) | American Airlines Center20,104 | 32–8 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 41 | January 23 | @ Philadelphia | 20030123 PHI 107 94 | Dirk Nowitzki (30) | Dirk Nowitzki (14) | Steve Nash (13) | First Union Center20,027 | 33–8 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 42 | January 24 | @ New York | 20030124 NYK 101 90 | Dirk Nowitzki (30) | Dirk Nowitzki (9) | Michael Finley (9) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 34–8 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 43 | January 26 | Portland | 20030126 DAL 93 100 | Michael Finley (27) | Nowitzki, LaFrentz (7) | Steve Nash (9) | American Airlines Center19,765 | 34–9 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 44 | January 29 | @ Houston | 20030129 HOU 104 81 | Dirk Nowitzki (34) | Shawn Bradley (9) | Nowitzki, Nash (5) | Compaq Center16,285 | 35–9 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 45 | January 30 | Minnesota | 20030130 DAL 112 109 | Dirk Nowitzki (32) | Raef LaFrentz (15) | Steve Nash (8) | American Airlines Center19,874 | 36–9 Dallas Mavericks February 4 2 4 3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 46 | February 1 | Denver | 20030201 DAL 122 100 | Nick Van Exel (30) | Shawn Bradley (9) | Nick Van Exel (7) | American Airlines Center19,889 | 37–9 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 47 | February 3 | @ Utah | 20030203 UTA 92 90 | Dirk Nowitzki (25) | Raef LaFrentz (6) | Steve Nash (6) | Delta Center19,130 | 38–9 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 48 | February 4 | Sacramento | 20030204 DAL 109 110 | Nowitzki, Finley (28) | Dirk Nowitzki (16) | Steve Nash (14) | American Airlines Center20,102 | 38–10 |- align="center" |colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break |-style="background:#fcc;" | 49 | February 11 | @ Minnesota | 20030211 MIN 98 100 | Dirk Nowitzki (34) | Dirk Nowitzki (7) | Steve Nash (8) | Target Center15,145 | 38–11 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 50 | February 12 | @ Milwaukee | 20030212 MIL 114 120 | Dirk Nowitzki (27) | Dirk Nowitzki (12) | Steve Nash (10) | Bradley Center15,886 | 38–12 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 51 | February 14 | @ Memphis | 20030214 MEM 110 103 | Dirk Nowitzki (31) | Raef LaFrentz (14) | Steve Nash (13) | Pyramid Arena15,924 | 39–12 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 52 | February 15 | Miami | 20030215 DAL 98 92 | Dirk Nowitzki (25) | Dirk Nowitzki (12) | Dirk Nowitzki (8) | American Airlines Center20,003 | 40–12 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 53 | February 18 | Atlanta | 20030218 DAL 105 79 | Michael Finley (26) | Nowitzki, Eschmeyer (6) | Shawn Bradley (4) | American Airlines Center19,783 | 41–12 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 54 | February 20 | San Antonio | 20030220 DAL 95 87 | Steve Nash (29) | Finley, Bradley (8) | Steve Nash (10) | American Airlines Center20,036 | 42–12 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 55 | February 21 | @ Houston | 20030221 HOU 100 85 | Dirk Nowitzki (34) | Dirk Nowitzki (11) | Nick Van Exel (7) | Compaq Center16,285 | 43–12 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 56 | February 23 | @ Washington | 20030223 WAS 106 101 1 | Dirk Nowitzki (29) | Dirk Nowitzki (10) | Steve Nash (10) | MCI Center20,173 | 44–12 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 57 | February 25 | @ Orlando | 20030225 ORL 93 98 | Dirk Nowitzki (26) | Dirk Nowitzki (7) | Steve Nash (5) | TD Waterhouse Centre16,009 | 44–13 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 58 | February 27 | Sacramento | 20030227 DAL 124 126 1 | Dirk Nowitzki (36) | Dirk Nowitzki (13) | Steve Nash (10) | American Airlines Center20,059 | 44–14 Dallas Mavericks March 5 2 6 2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 59 | March 1 | Memphis | 20030301 DAL 114 87 | Dirk Nowitzki (28) | Finley, Nájera (10) | Steve Nash (7) | American Airlines Center19,828 | 45–14 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 60 | March 4 | New Jersey | 20030304 DAL 88 79 | Nowitzki, Nash (24) | Dirk Nowitzki (13) | Steve Nash (8) | American Airlines Center19,920 | 46–14 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 61 | March 7 | @ Miami | 20030307 MIA 91 89 | Steve Nash (22) | Michael Finley (11) | Steve Nash (5) | American Airlines Arena16,500 | 47–14 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 62 | March 8 | Utah | 20030308 DAL 101 77 | Dirk Nowitzki (21) | three players tied (6) | Steve Nash (4) | American Airlines Center20,123 | 48–14 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 63 | March 10 | Minnesota | 20030310 DAL 83 92 | Dirk Nowitzki (37) | Nowitzki, Finley (13) | Steve Nash (9) | American Airlines Center20,049 | 48–15 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 64 | March 13 | @ Seattle | 20030313 SEA 100 107 | Dirk Nowitzki (27) | Dirk Nowitzki (12) | Nowitzki, Finley (4) | KeyArena14,621 | 48–16 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 65 | March 14 | @ Golden State | 20030314 GSW 116 114 | Michael Finley (21) | Shawn Bradley (11) | Steve Nash (12) | The Arena in Oakland19,787 | 49–16 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 66 | March 16 | @ Sacramento | 20030316 SAC 129 123 1 | Dirk Nowitzki (34) | Dirk Nowitzki (18) | Steve Nash (10) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 50–16 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 67 | March 18 | Cleveland | 20030318 DAL 114 93 | Dirk Nowitzki (28) | Dirk Nowitzki (8) | Steve Nash (6) | American Airlines Center19,952 | 51–16 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 68 | March 20 | San Antonio | 20030320 DAL 110 112 1 | Dirk Nowitzki (34) | Dirk Nowitzki (12) | Steve Nash (7) | American Airlines Center20,110 | 51–17 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 69 | March 22 | Phoenix | 20030322 DAL 102 95 | Nowitzki, Nash (27) | Dirk Nowitzki (11) | Steve Nash (13) | American Airlines Center20,087 | 52–17 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 70 | March 24 | @ Denver | 20030324 DEN 108 96 | Dirk Nowitzki (25) | Dirk Nowitzki (8) | Steve Nash (5) | Pepsi Center14,714 | 53–17 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 71 | March 26 | @ L.A. Clippers | 20030326 LAC 114 107 | Dirk Nowitzki (27) | Dirk Nowitzki (11) | Steve Nash (12) | Staples Center19,595 | 54–17 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 72 | March 28 | @ Portland | 20030328 POR 95 112 | Dirk Nowitzki (20) | Abdul-Wahad (8) | Nowitzki, Bell (4) | Rose Garden Arena20,580 | 54–18 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 73 | March 30 | @ Minnesota | 20030330 MIN 119 95 | Dirk Nowitzki (33) | Dirk Nowitzki (7) | Steve Nash (15) | Target Center19,304 | 55–18 Dallas Mavericks April 4 1 1 3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 74 | April 1 | New Orleans | 20030401 DAL 95 86 | Dirk Nowitzki (30) | Dirk Nowitzki (11) | Steve Nash (6) | American Airlines Center19,859 | 56–18 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 75 | April 3 | L.A. Lakers | 20030403 DAL 89 100 | Steve Nash (26) | Dirk Nowitzki (22) | Steve Nash (5) | American Airlines Center20,129 | 56–19 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 76 | April 5 | Orlando | 20030405 DAL 108 90 | Dirk Nowitzki (29) | Eduardo Nájera (7) | Steve Nash (11) | American Airlines Center19,800 | 57–19 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 77 | April 8 | @ L.A. Lakers | 20030408 LAL 99 108 | Nowitzki, LaFrentz (26) | Dirk Nowitzki (9) | Steve Nash (10) | Staples Center18,997 | 57–20 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 78 | April 9 | @ Phoenix | 20030409 PHO 89 112 | Dirk Nowitzki (26) | Dirk Nowitzki (8) | Steve Nash (5) | America West Arena17,136 | 57–21 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 79 | April 11 | @ Utah | 20030411 UTA 92 95 | Dirk Nowitzki (34) | Dirk Nowitzki (8) | Steve Nash (10) | Delta Center19,896 | 57–22 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 80 | April 12 | Golden State | 20030412 DAL 117 108 | Dirk Nowitzki (37) | Dirk Nowitzki (12) | Steve Nash (10) | American Airlines Center19,980 | 58–22 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 81 | April 14 | Seattle | 20030414 DAL 109 106 | Dirk Nowitzki (39) | Dirk Nowitzki (10) | Nowitzki, Van Exel (7) | American Airlines Center19,880 | 59–22 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 82 | April 16 | @ San Antonio | 20030416 SAS 93 72 | Dirk Nowitzki (25) | Dirk Nowitzki (10) | Steve Nash (10) | SBC Center19,217 | 60–22 DAL 2003 Playoffs Dallas Mavericks 2003 yes Dallas Mavericks First round no yes yes 3 1 1 2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 19 | Portland | W 96–86 | Dirk Nowitzki (46) | Dirk Nowitzki (10) | Steve Nash (9) | American Airlines Center20,336 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 23 | Portland | W 103–99 | Steve Nash (28) | Dirk Nowitzki (9) | Steve Nash (8) | American Airlines Center20,356 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 25 | @ Portland | W 115–103 | Dirk Nowitzki (42) | Dirk Nowitzki (10) | Steve Nash (10) | Rose Garden Arena19,980 | 3–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | April 27 | @ Portland | L 79–98 | Dirk Nowitzki (26) | Dirk Nowitzki (11) | Nick Van Exel (7) | Rose Garden Arena19,980 | 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | April 30 | Portland | L 99–103 | Dirk Nowitzki (35) | Dirk Nowitzki (11) | Steve Nash (11) | American Airlines Center20,438 | 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | May 2 | @ Portland | L 103–125 | Steve Nash (21) | Adrian Griffin (8) | Steve Nash (6) | Rose Garden Arena20,602 | 3–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 7 | May 4 | Portland | W 107–95 | Dirk Nowitzki (31) | Dirk Nowitzki (11) | Steve Nash (7) | American Airlines Center20,281 | 4–3 |- Dallas Mavericks Conference Semi-finals no yes 3 1 1 2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | May 6 | Sacramento | L 113–124 | three players tied (20) | Dirk Nowitzki (11) | Steve Nash (7) | American Airlines Center20,525 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | May 8 | Sacramento | W 132–110 | Nick Van Exel (36) | Dirk Nowitzki (12) | Steve Nash (7) | American Airlines Center20,491 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 10 | @ Sacramento | W 141–137 (2OT) | Nick Van Exel (40) | Dirk Nowitzki (20) | Steve Nash (11) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | May 11 | @ Sacramento | L 83–99 | Bell, Finley (16) | Dirk Nowitzki (11) | Steve Nash (6) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | May 13 | Sacramento | W 112–93 | Steve Nash (25) | Dirk Nowitzki (15) | Dirk Nowitzki (9) | American Airlines Center20,556 | 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | May 15 | @ Sacramento | L 109–115 | Nick Van Exel (35) | Dirk Nowitzki (12) | Finley, Nash (4) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 3–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 7 | May 17 | Sacramento | W 112–99 | Dirk Nowitzki (30) | Dirk Nowitzki (19) | Steve Nash (13) | American Airlines Center20,595 | 4–3 |- Dallas Mavericks Conference finals no yes 0 3 2 1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 19 | @ San Antonio | W 113–110 | Dirk Nowitzki (38) | Dirk Nowitzki (15) | Steve Nash (3) | SBC Center18,797 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | May 21 | @ San Antonio | L 106–119 | Michael Finley (29) | Finley, Nowitzki (10) | Steve Nash (8) | SBC Center18,797 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | May 23 | San Antonio | L 83–96 | Nick Van Exel (16) | Dirk Nowitzki (9) | Steve Nash (9) | American Airlines Center20,695 | 1–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | May 25 | San Antonio | L 95–102 | Finley, Nash (25) | Van Exel, Williams (8) | Van Exel, Williams (3) | American Airlines Center20,561 | 1–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | May 27 | @ San Antonio | W 103–91 | Michael Finley (31) | three players tied (8) | Steve Nash (6) | SBC Center18,797 | 2–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | May 29 | San Antonio | L 78–90 | Nick Van Exel (19) | Raef LaFrentz (12) | Steve Nash (11) | American Airlines Center20,812 | 2–4 |- DAL 2003 yes Player statistics Regular season Player POS Position GP Games played GS Games starter MP Minutes played REB Rebounds AST Assists STL Steals BLK Blocks PTS Points MPG Minutes per game RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per gameSteve NashPG82 82 2,711 234 598 85 6 1,455 33.1 2.9 7.3 1.0 .1 17.7Shawn BradleyC 81 39 1,731 476 54 65 170 543 21.4 5.9 .7 .8 2.1 6.7Dirk NowitzkiPF 80 80 3,117 791 239 111 82 2,011 39.0 9.9 3.0 1.4 1.0 25.1Raja BellSG 75 32 1,173 145 57 52 8 230 15.6 1.9 .8 .7 .1 3.1Adrian GriffinSG 74 48 1,373 264 105 77 6 325 18.6 3.6 1.4 1.0 .1 4.4Nick Van ExelSG 73 1 2,026 208 312 42 4 912 27.8 2.8 4.3 .6 .1 12.5Michael FinleySF 69 69 2,642 402 205 76 21 1,331 38.3 5.8 3.0 1.1 .3 19.3Raef LaFrentzC 69 43 1,611 330 54 35 91 639 23.3 4.8 .8 .5 1.3 9.3Walt Williams basketballSF 66 1 1,161 207 59 42 26 363 17.6 3.1 .9 .6 .4 5.5Eduardo NájeraSF 48 12 1,103 223 47 40 22 320 23.0 4.6 1.0 .8 .5 6.7Avery JohnsonPG 48 0 430 31 64 15 1 156 9.0 .6 1.3 .3 .0 3.3Popeye JonesPF 26 0 222 59 8 5 1 53 8.5 2.3 .3 .2 .0 2.0Evan EschmeyerC 17 3 135 29 6 10 7 17 7.9 1.7 .4 .6 .4 1.0Tariq Abdul-WahadSG 14 0 204 40 21 6 3 57 14.6 2.9 1.5 .4 .2 4.1Adam Harrington basketball†SG 13 0 37 2 2 1 1 11 2.8 .2 .2 .1 .1 .8Antoine RigaudeauSG 11 0 91 8 6 3 0 17 8.3 .7 .5 .3 .0 1.5Mark StricklandSF 4 0 13 7 0 0 0 4 3.3 1.8 .0 .0 .0 1.0 † Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the Mavericks only. Playoffs Player POS Position GP Games played GS Games starter MP Minutes played REB Rebounds AST Assists STL Steals BLK Blocks PTS Points MPG Minutes per game RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per gameMichael FinleySF20 20 822 115 60 26 12 366 41.1 5.8 3.0 1.3 .6 18.3Steve NashPG20 20 729 70 145 17 1 322 36.5 3.5 7.3 .9 .1 16.1Raef LaFrentzC20 16 491 88 5 11 43 160 24.6 4.4 .3 .6 2.2 8.0Nick Van ExelSG20 3 672 68 82 12 0 389 33.6 3.4 4.1 .6 .0 19.5Eduardo NájeraSF 19 5 394 74 15 14 4 116 20.7 3.9 .8 .7 .2 6.1Dirk NowitzkiPF 17 17 722 196 37 21 16 430 42.5 11.5 2.2 1.2 .9 25.3Raja BellSG 17 7 305 51 27 5 0 97 17.9 3.0 1.6 .3 .0 5.7Shawn BradleyC 17 7 246 65 5 3 14 49 14.5 3.8 .3 .2 .8 2.9Walt Williams basketballSF 15 3 227 43 15 5 12 85 15.1 2.9 1.0 .3 .8 5.7Adrian GriffinSG 15 2 131 44 8 4 0 37 8.7 2.9 .5 .3 .0 2.5Tariq Abdul-WahadSG 8 0 79 22 7 0 0 25 9.9 2.8 .9 .0 .0 3.1Evan EschmeyerC 5 0 32 5 2 3 1 6 6.4 1.0 .4 .6 .2 1.2 Awards and records Dirk Nowitzki, All-NBA Second Team Steve Nash, All-NBA Third Team Dirk Nowitzki, NBA All-Star Game Steve Nash, NBA All-Star Game Transactions Overview Players Added Via draft Via trade Via free agency Raja Bell Adam Harrington Popeye Jones Mark Strickland Walt WilliamsPlayers Lost Via trade Via free agency Greg Buckner Danny Manning Johnny Newman Wang Zhizhi DateFromToTransaction9/20/02WASDALThe Dallas Mavericks signed Popeye Jones as a free agent.10/1/02PHIDALThe Dallas Mavericks signed Raja Bell as a free agent.10/10/02N/ADALThe Dallas Mavericks signed Adam Harrington as a free agent.10/18/02HOUDALThe Dallas Mavericks signed Walt Williams as a free agent.11/17/02ATLDALThe Dallas Mavericks signed Mark Strickland as a free agent.1/17/03N/ADALThe Dallas Mavericks signed Antoine Rigaudeau as a free agent. Player Transactions Citation:2002–03 Dallas Mavericks Transactions Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DAL/2003_transactions.html January 13, 2022 See also 2002–03 NBA season References Category:Dallas Mavericks seasons Dallas Dallas Dallas