10 Most heartbreaking moments in Dallas Mavericks history

6. Mavs fall to Lakers in 1988 Western Conference Finals

In the first three seasons of the Mavericks' existence, the franchise failed to reach the playoffs. In 1984, the Mavs made the playoffs for the first time, and fans saw them as a team that could win in the future.

The 1987-88 season was the Mavs' first big season. The Mavs finished with a 53-29 record, and Roy Tarpley was the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year. Mark Aguirre led the Mavs in scoring with 25.1 points per game.

In the 1988 Playoffs, the Mavs eliminated the Rockets and Nuggets to make the Western Conference Finals against the defending NBA champion Lakers. The Mavs fell to the Lakers in the 1984 and 1986 playoffs, so the Mavs hoped the third time would be the charm.

The Lakers dominated the first two games at home, but the Mavs won the next two in Dallas to even the series at two. The Mavs lost Game 5 in Los Angeles, but forced a Game 7 after a 105-103 win in Game 6 at home.

The Mavs would end of losing Game 7 by 15 and wouldn't be able to get over the hump of beating the Lakers. To make it worse for the Mavs, the Lakers ended up winning the 1988 NBA Finals against the Pistons. "It could've been us" is what Mavs fans, players and coaches had to of thought when the Lakers won.

The Mavs' four losses on the road came by an average of 17.3 points, and this series was as close as they come.