|
 PHOENIX (AP) - From the day he stopped playing and started coaching, Avery Johnson has been telling the Dallas Mavericks what it takes to win a championship. Now, they've reached the final step — in an unforgettable way.
Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry let Dallas get down by 18 early, then powered a 20-4 run that put them ahead early in the fourth quarter on their way to a 102-93 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night to put the Mavericks in the NBA finals for the first time in the franchise's 26-year history.
The championship series begins Thursday night in Dallas against the Miami Heat. The Mavericks own home-court advantage, meaning the first two games — and Games 6 and 7, if necessary — will be in Dallas.
|