The 2002-03 Dallas Mavericks had an impressive NBA season, finishing with a 60-22 record under head coach Don Nelson. This performance marked one of the franchise’s best regular seasons, earning them the third seed in the Western Conference. Dirk Nowitzki led the team with his scoring prowess, averaging 25.1 points per game, while Steve Nash orchestrated the offense with precision, contributing 7.3 assists per game.
In the playoffs, the Mavericks showed resilience, overcoming the Portland Trail Blazers in a grueling seven-game first-round series. They advanced past the Sacramento Kings in the Conference Semifinals, again needing seven games. However, their championship aspirations were halted in the Western Conference Finals by the San Antonio Spurs, who defeated them in six games. Despite falling short of the NBA Finals, the season was a testament to the Mavericks’ potential and solidified their status as a formidable contender in the early 2000s.
- Regular Season Record: 60-22
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 4-3, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-3, Western Conference Finals: 2-4
Dallas Mavericks Roster and Stats for 2002-03 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Dirk Nowitzki | 80 | 25.1 | 9.9 | 3.0 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 37.9 | 17 | 25.3 | 11.5 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 44.3 |
| Michael Finley | 69 | 19.3 | 5.8 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 37.0 | 20 | 18.3 | 5.8 | 3.0 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 41.2 |
| Steve Nash | 82 | 17.7 | 2.9 | 7.3 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 41.3 | 20 | 16.1 | 3.5 | 7.3 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 48.7 |
| Nick Van Exel | 73 | 12.5 | 2.8 | 4.3 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 37.8 | 20 | 19.5 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 39.3 |
| Raef LaFrentz | 69 | 9.3 | 4.8 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 40.5 | 20 | 8.0 | 4.4 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 2.2 | 20.0 |
| Shawn Bradley | 81 | 6.7 | 5.9 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 2.1 | 0.0 | 17 | 2.9 | 3.8 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 0.0 |
| Eduardo Nájera | 48 | 6.7 | 4.6 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 19 | 6.1 | 3.9 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Walt Williams | 66 | 5.5 | 3.1 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 37.4 | 15 | 5.7 | 2.9 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 34.1 |
| Adrian Griffin | 74 | 4.4 | 3.6 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 25.0 | 15 | 2.5 | 2.9 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 33.3 |
| Tariq Abdul-Wahad | 14 | 4.1 | 2.9 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 8 | 3.1 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Avery Johnson | 48 | 3.3 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Raja Bell | 75 | 3.1 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 41.2 | 17 | 5.7 | 3.0 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 46.1 |
| Popeye Jones | 26 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Antoine Rigaudeau | 11 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 20.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mark Strickland | 4 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Evan Eschmeyer | 17 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 5 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Adam Harrington | 13 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 33.3 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Dallas Mavericks in the 2003 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Portland Trail Blazers
In the 2003 NBA Playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks faced the Portland Trail Blazers in a thrilling first-round series that went the full seven games. The Mavericks initially took a commanding 3-0 lead, showcasing their potent offense led by Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, and Michael Finley. However, the resilient Trail Blazers fought back to tie the series, forcing a decisive Game 7, where the Mavericks ultimately secured a victory to advance, highlighting their poise under pressure and ability to execute when it mattered most.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 19, 2003 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 96-86 | |
| Apr 23, 2003 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 103-99 | |
| Apr 25, 2003 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 115-103 | |
| Apr 27, 2003 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 98-79 | |
| Apr 30, 2003 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 103-99 | |
| May 02, 2003 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 125-103 | |
| May 04, 2003 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 107-95 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Sacramento Kings
In the 2003 NBA Playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks faced the Sacramento Kings in a thrilling second-round matchup. The series went the full seven games, showcasing Dirk Nowitzki's scoring prowess and Steve Nash's playmaking against a resilient Kings team. Ultimately, the Mavericks triumphed in Game 7, advancing to the Western Conference Finals with a 112-99 victory, highlighting their depth and determination.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 06, 2003 | vs. Sacramento Kings | L 124-113 | |
| May 08, 2003 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 132-110 | |
| May 10, 2003 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 141-137 | |
| May 11, 2003 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 99-83 | |
| May 13, 2003 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 112-93 | |
| May 15, 2003 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 115-109 | |
| May 17, 2003 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 112-99 |
2003 Conference Championship vs. San Antonio Spurs
In the 2003 NBA Playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks reached the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the San Antonio Spurs. Despite a valiant effort, the Mavericks were hampered by an injury to their star player, Dirk Nowitzki, and ultimately fell to the Spurs in six games. The series showcased the Mavericks' explosive offense but also highlighted their struggles against the Spurs' disciplined defense and experienced roster.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2003 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 113-110 | |
| May 21, 2003 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 119-106 | |
| May 23, 2003 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 96-83 | |
| May 25, 2003 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 102-95 | |
| May 27, 2003 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 103-91 | |
| May 29, 2003 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 90-78 |
Dallas Mavericks 2002-03 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2002-03 season for the Dallas Mavericks.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2002 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 119-108 | |
| Nov 02, 2002 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 97-83 | |
| Nov 04, 2002 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 107-100 | |
| Nov 06, 2002 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 106-92 | |
| Nov 08, 2002 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 114-87 | |
| Nov 09, 2002 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 114-75 | |
| Nov 11, 2002 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 82-73 | |
| Nov 13, 2002 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 103-99 | |
| Nov 15, 2002 | @ Boston Celtics | W 97-86 | |
| Nov 16, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 96-88 | |
| Nov 19, 2002 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 98-72 | |
| Nov 21, 2002 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 103-90 | |
| Nov 23, 2002 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 115-105 | |
| Nov 27, 2002 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 102-82 | |
| Nov 28, 2002 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 110-98 | |
| Nov 30, 2002 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 103-90 | |
| Dec 02, 2002 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 113-102 | |
| Dec 04, 2002 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 103-88 | |
| Dec 06, 2002 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 105-103 | |
| Dec 07, 2002 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 121-116 | |
| Dec 10, 2002 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 122-95 | |
| Dec 11, 2002 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 111-104 | |
| Dec 14, 2002 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 104-87 | |
| Dec 17, 2002 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 118-97 | |
| Dec 18, 2002 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 80-75 | |
| Dec 20, 2002 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 93-81 | |
| Dec 23, 2002 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 92-86 | |
| Dec 26, 2002 | @ New Orleans Hornets | W 83-81 | |
| Dec 28, 2002 | vs. New York Knicks | W 107-82 | |
| Dec 30, 2002 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 110-107 | |
| Jan 02, 2003 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 102-92 | |
| Jan 04, 2003 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 102-83 | |
| Jan 06, 2003 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 86-71 | |
| Jan 08, 2003 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 117-99 | |
| Jan 10, 2003 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 103-78 | |
| Jan 12, 2003 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 96-90 | |
| Jan 15, 2003 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 123-94 | |
| Jan 17, 2003 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 111-106 | |
| Jan 19, 2003 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 85-81 | |
| Jan 21, 2003 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 107-86 | |
| Jan 23, 2003 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 107-94 | |
| Jan 24, 2003 | @ New York Knicks | W 101-90 | |
| Jan 26, 2003 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 100-93 | |
| Jan 29, 2003 | @ Houston Rockets | W 104-81 | |
| Jan 30, 2003 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 112-109 | |
| Feb 01, 2003 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 122-100 | |
| Feb 03, 2003 | @ Utah Jazz | W 92-90 | |
| Feb 04, 2003 | vs. Sacramento Kings | L 110-109 | |
| Feb 11, 2003 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 100-98 | |
| Feb 12, 2003 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 120-114 | |
| Feb 14, 2003 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 110-103 | |
| Feb 15, 2003 | vs. Miami Heat | W 98-92 | |
| Feb 18, 2003 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 105-79 | |
| Feb 20, 2003 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 95-87 | |
| Feb 21, 2003 | @ Houston Rockets | W 100-85 | |
| Feb 23, 2003 | @ Washington Wizards | W 106-101 | |
| Feb 25, 2003 | @ Orlando Magic | L 98-93 | |
| Feb 27, 2003 | vs. Sacramento Kings | L 126-124 | |
| Mar 01, 2003 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 114-87 | |
| Mar 04, 2003 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 88-79 | |
| Mar 07, 2003 | @ Miami Heat | W 91-89 | |
| Mar 08, 2003 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 101-77 | |
| Mar 10, 2003 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | L 92-83 | |
| Mar 13, 2003 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 107-100 | |
| Mar 14, 2003 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 116-114 | |
| Mar 16, 2003 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 129-123 | |
| Mar 18, 2003 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 114-93 | |
| Mar 20, 2003 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 112-110 | |
| Mar 22, 2003 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 102-95 | |
| Mar 24, 2003 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 108-96 | |
| Mar 26, 2003 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 114-107 | |
| Mar 28, 2003 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 112-95 | |
| Mar 30, 2003 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 119-95 | |
| Apr 01, 2003 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 95-86 | |
| Apr 03, 2003 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 100-89 | |
| Apr 05, 2003 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 108-90 | |
| Apr 08, 2003 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 108-99 | |
| Apr 09, 2003 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 112-89 | |
| Apr 11, 2003 | @ Utah Jazz | L 95-92 | |
| Apr 12, 2003 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 117-108 | |
| Apr 14, 2003 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 109-106 | |
| Apr 16, 2003 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 93-72 |