Mavericks Countdown: Inside the “67” Win Season

The countdown continues, 67 days until the Mavericks open the season in Phoenix on Oct. 28th

The 2006-07 Dallas Mavericks set a franchise record with 67 wins.

The 2006-07 Dallas Mavericks also lost in the first round of the playoffs.

Postseason aside, let’s dive into one of the most historic regular seasons of all-time.

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TEAM SUMMARY: Coming off the dreadful Finals loss to the Heat, the Mavericks came into the season inspired more than ever hoping their free throw total for the season could match Dwyane Wade’s total from the Finals. All jokes aside, Dirk & Co. set their sights on a brand new season with brand new motivation.

Avery Johnson was still running the show with mostly a similar cast around him from the previous year. With the subtractions of some key role players like Marquis Daniels and Adrian Griffin, Johnson found himself shortening the rotation for what would actually turn out for the best.

Dallas came to the end of the regular season with four games to go and sitting on 65 wins. The division and conference was already wrapped up and Johnson famously rested the big dogs for those last few games. A decision that many people say led to the historically disappointing playoff results.

Nov 9, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the game against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Center. The Heat defeated the Mavericks 105-96. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

NOTABLE PLAYERS: It was this year that Dirk Nowitzki earned the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award. Dirk was simply unstoppable. Mavericks fans across the nation, and Germany, were spoiled with greatness. He averaged 24.6 PPG while totaling 8.9 RPG. What was more impressive was that Dirk shot over 90% from the charity stripe, over 40% behind the arc, and over 50% in field goal percentage. Let that soak in a bit…

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Dirk’s sidekicks were some familiar faces to Mavs fans that year. Josh Howard averaged 18.9 PPG with Jason Terry coming in behind him at 16.7 PPG. We all have heard some Josh Howard jokes, but true Mavs fans remember a Josh Howard who could flat out ball and this was one of those years. Rounding out the main rotation we saw THE Erick Dampier, Jerry Stackhouse, and current Maverick, Devin Harris.

Off the bench we saw a random cast of characters serve some solid minutes. DeSagana Diop, Devean George, and a rookie who rode the bench by the name of Jose Juan Berea. I would also like to take a moment of silence to recognize that Kevin Willis, at the age of 44, played 5 games with this squad. Ginoboli 44 yet?

RESULT: Before I shed a tear, I will sum up the result in one sentence. We watched a Baron Davis led Warriors down our beloved Dallas Mavericks team to become the first 8-seeded team in NBA history to beat a number 1-seeded team in a 7 game series. It still stings to this day…

Despite the end result, Mavericks fans across the world got to cheer on one of the greatest regular season teams of all time, something we should never forget.

67 days until we start the journey to another 67 win season….ok I’m kidding, but can it be October 28th yet?

*All stats from Basketball-reference.com

Bored at home/work and want to reminisce about Dirk that year? You’re welcome…

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