The 2005-06 Dallas Mavericks, under the leadership of head coach Avery Johnson, had a remarkable season, finishing with a 60-22 record. This performance placed them second in the Western Conference. Dirk Nowitzki was the standout player, averaging 26.6 points per game and cementing his status as one of the league’s elite forwards.
In the playoffs, the Mavericks made a significant impact, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies and the defending champion San Antonio Spurs in the first two rounds. They continued their strong performance by beating the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals, securing their first-ever NBA Finals appearance.
However, their championship aspirations were thwarted by the Miami Heat, who defeated them 4-2 in the Finals. Despite the loss, the Mavericks’ performance that season laid the foundation for future success, showcasing their potential as a top-tier NBA team.
- Regular Season Record: 60-22
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 4-0, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-3, Western Conference Finals: 4-2, NBA Finals: 2-4
Dallas Mavericks Roster and Stats for 2005-06 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Dirk Nowitzki | 81 | 26.6 | 9.0 | 2.8 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 40.6 | 23 | 27.0 | 11.7 | 2.9 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 34.3 |
| Jason Terry | 80 | 17.1 | 2.0 | 3.8 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 41.1 | 22 | 18.9 | 2.9 | 3.8 | 1.2 | 0.0 | 30.7 |
| Josh Howard | 59 | 15.6 | 6.3 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 42.9 | 23 | 16.7 | 7.4 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 36.9 |
| Jerry Stackhouse | 55 | 13.0 | 2.8 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 27.7 | 22 | 13.7 | 2.8 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 33.8 |
| Marquis Daniels | 62 | 10.2 | 3.6 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 21.0 | 20 | 3.4 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 40.0 |
| Devin Harris | 56 | 9.9 | 2.2 | 3.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 23.8 | 23 | 9.4 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Keith Van Horn | 53 | 8.9 | 3.6 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 36.8 | 14 | 3.6 | 2.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 28.6 |
| Erick Dampier | 82 | 5.7 | 7.8 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 19 | 5.0 | 6.7 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 0.0 |
| Adrian Griffin | 52 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 1.7 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 20 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Doug Christie | 7 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Rawle Marshall | 23 | 3.1 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 33.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Pavel Podkolzin | 1 | 3.0 | 7.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Josh Powell | 37 | 3.0 | 2.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 6 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| DeSagana Diop | 81 | 2.3 | 4.6 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 49.8 | 22 | 2.7 | 5.0 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 0.0 |
| Darrell Armstrong | 62 | 2.1 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 22.9 | 11 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| D.J. Mbenga | 43 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 7 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
Dallas Mavericks in the 2006 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Memphis Grizzlies
In the first round of the 2006 NBA Playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies, securing a decisive 4-0 series sweep. Led by Dirk Nowitzki's scoring prowess and the strategic coaching of Avery Johnson, the Mavericks showcased their depth and versatility, setting the stage for a deep playoff run that would eventually take them to the NBA Finals. Their dominant performance highlighted their status as serious contenders in the Western Conference.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 2006 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 103-93 | |
| Apr 26, 2006 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 94-79 | |
| Apr 29, 2006 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 94-89 | |
| May 01, 2006 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 102-76 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. San Antonio Spurs
In the 2006 NBA Playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks faced the San Antonio Spurs in a thrilling second-round series that went the full seven games. The Mavericks, led by Dirk Nowitzki's exceptional performances, managed to edge out the defending champions with a dramatic 119-111 overtime victory in Game 7. This series was pivotal in establishing the Mavericks as serious contenders, ultimately propelling them to the NBA Finals that year.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 07, 2006 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 87-85 | |
| May 09, 2006 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 113-91 | |
| May 13, 2006 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 104-103 | |
| May 15, 2006 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 123-118 | |
| May 17, 2006 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 98-97 | |
| May 19, 2006 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 91-86 | |
| May 22, 2006 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 119-111 |
2006 Conference Championship vs. Phoenix Suns
In the 2006 NBA Playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks reached the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the Phoenix Suns. Led by Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks showcased resilience and depth, prevailing in six games to secure their first-ever appearance in the NBA Finals. Nowitzki's standout performance, particularly his 50-point explosion in Game 5, was pivotal in overcoming the high-octane Suns and highlighted his emerging status as a playoff powerhouse.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2006 | vs. Phoenix Suns | L 121-118 | |
| May 26, 2006 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 105-98 | |
| May 28, 2006 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 95-88 | |
| May 30, 2006 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 106-86 | |
| Jun 01, 2006 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 117-101 | |
| Jun 03, 2006 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 102-93 |
2006 NBA Finals vs. Miami Heat
In the 2006 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks, led by Dirk Nowitzki, made their first-ever appearance on the grand stage, facing off against the Miami Heat. Despite taking a commanding 2-0 series lead, the Mavericks struggled to contain Dwyane Wade, who delivered a series of dominant performances, ultimately leading to the Mavs' defeat in six games. The series marked a significant moment for Dallas, setting the stage for their eventual redemption in 2011.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 08, 2006 | vs. Miami Heat | W 90-80 | |
| Jun 11, 2006 | vs. Miami Heat | W 99-85 | |
| Jun 13, 2006 | @ Miami Heat | L 98-96 | |
| Jun 15, 2006 | @ Miami Heat | L 98-74 | |
| Jun 18, 2006 | @ Miami Heat | L 101-100 | |
| Jun 20, 2006 | vs. Miami Heat | L 95-92 |
Dallas Mavericks 2005-06 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2005-06 season for the Dallas Mavericks.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 01, 2005 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 111-108 | |
| Nov 02, 2005 | @ Utah Jazz | L 93-82 | |
| Nov 05, 2005 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 103-84 | |
| Nov 09, 2005 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 112-97 | |
| Nov 11, 2005 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | W 98-88 | |
| Nov 12, 2005 | @ New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets | W 109-103 | |
| Nov 15, 2005 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 83-80 | |
| Nov 17, 2005 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 87-78 | |
| Nov 19, 2005 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 119-82 | |
| Nov 22, 2005 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 102-93 | |
| Nov 25, 2005 | @ Miami Heat | W 103-90 | |
| Nov 26, 2005 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | L 112-92 | |
| Nov 28, 2005 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 93-91 | |
| Nov 29, 2005 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 113-111 | |
| Dec 01, 2005 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 92-90 | |
| Dec 03, 2005 | vs. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets | W 97-88 | |
| Dec 05, 2005 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 102-94 | |
| Dec 06, 2005 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 84-75 | |
| Dec 09, 2005 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 90-83 | |
| Dec 10, 2005 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 103-94 | |
| Dec 12, 2005 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 109-106 | |
| Dec 14, 2005 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 102-96 | |
| Dec 16, 2005 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 109-103 | |
| Dec 18, 2005 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 102-95 | |
| Dec 20, 2005 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 112-90 | |
| Dec 22, 2005 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 105-95 | |
| Dec 23, 2005 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 101-98 | |
| Dec 26, 2005 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 102-80 | |
| Dec 30, 2005 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 111-109 | |
| Dec 31, 2005 | @ New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets | W 95-90 | |
| Jan 03, 2006 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 95-81 | |
| Jan 04, 2006 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 91-78 | |
| Jan 06, 2006 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 114-112 | |
| Jan 07, 2006 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 83-79 | |
| Jan 09, 2006 | @ Boston Celtics | W 104-102 | |
| Jan 11, 2006 | @ New York Knicks | L 117-115 | |
| Jan 14, 2006 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 110-77 | |
| Jan 16, 2006 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 114-95 | |
| Jan 18, 2006 | @ Houston Rockets | W 103-76 | |
| Jan 20, 2006 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 101-81 | |
| Jan 22, 2006 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 95-89 | |
| Jan 25, 2006 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 102-93 | |
| Jan 26, 2006 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 104-97 | |
| Jan 28, 2006 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 103-89 | |
| Jan 31, 2006 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 98-94 | |
| Feb 01, 2006 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 81-80 | |
| Feb 04, 2006 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 110-91 | |
| Feb 07, 2006 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 102-87 | |
| Feb 09, 2006 | vs. Miami Heat | W 112-76 | |
| Feb 10, 2006 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 113-104 | |
| Feb 13, 2006 | vs. New York Knicks | W 100-72 | |
| Feb 15, 2006 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 103-97 | |
| Feb 21, 2006 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 93-91 | |
| Feb 23, 2006 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 97-87 | |
| Feb 25, 2006 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 115-113 | |
| Feb 27, 2006 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 104-92 | |
| Mar 02, 2006 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 98-89 | |
| Mar 03, 2006 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 90-76 | |
| Mar 05, 2006 | vs. Phoenix Suns | L 115-107 | |
| Mar 07, 2006 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 93-87 | |
| Mar 09, 2006 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 109-92 | |
| Mar 11, 2006 | @ Utah Jazz | W 90-87 | |
| Mar 12, 2006 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 85-80 | |
| Mar 14, 2006 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 91-87 | |
| Mar 15, 2006 | @ Houston Rockets | W 95-81 | |
| Mar 17, 2006 | @ Washington Wizards | W 104-94 | |
| Mar 19, 2006 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 100-89 | |
| Mar 21, 2006 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 88-72 | |
| Mar 23, 2006 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 122-121 | |
| Mar 25, 2006 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 98-83 | |
| Mar 28, 2006 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 97-90 | |
| Mar 29, 2006 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 107-94 | |
| Mar 31, 2006 | @ Orlando Magic | L 108-99 | |
| Apr 02, 2006 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 103-79 | |
| Apr 04, 2006 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 127-101 | |
| Apr 07, 2006 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 92-86 | |
| Apr 08, 2006 | vs. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets | W 101-77 | |
| Apr 10, 2006 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 75-73 | |
| Apr 12, 2006 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 114-102 | |
| Apr 13, 2006 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 117-104 | |
| Apr 16, 2006 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 111-95 | |
| Apr 19, 2006 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | L 85-71 |