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Mavericks take on Spurs in playoff rematch

Nov 2, 2006 - 1:54 PM San Antonio (63-19) at Dallas (60-22) 8:00 pm EST

DALLAS (Ticker) - The Dallas Mavericks made their first NBA Finals appearance last season. To get there, they had to go through the San Antonio Spurs in one of the most dramatic playoff series ever.

The Mavericks host the Spurs on Thursday in a showdown between two of the Western Conference's best teams in the season opener for both squads.

After winning the first two games against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, Dallas lost four in a row to finish its season in bittersweet fashion.

But the Mavericks would not have had the opportunity to play for the title had they not defeated San Antonio in one of the best playoff matchups in history.

Dallas eliminated the Spurs with a 119-111 overtime win in Game Seven to earn a spot in the Western Conference finals. Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks to victory with a season-saving three-point play to send the game into the extra period.

After a disappointing performance in the Finals, Dallas improved its team by adding shooters and veteran role players. The Mavericks traded Marquis Daniels for Austin Croshere, acquired point guard Anthony Johnson and signed Devean George and Greg Buckner.

The Mavericks hope their acquisitions improve their toughness and make them a threat from the perimeter.

Last year's favorite to win the championship, San Antonio brings similar expectations this season. The Spurs set a franchise record for wins in 2005-06, but stars Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili were not at full strength, which led to an early postseason exit.

Along with its healthy stars, San Antonio added 21-year-old center Jackie Butler after losing Nazr Mohammed, who signed as a free agent with the Detroit Pistons.