The Spurs and Mavericks have met in the playoffs three times - all in this decade. A heated rivalry? Let's just say owners Peter Holt and Mark Cuban probably aren't Facebook friends.
Spurs fans won't soon forget Cuban and his passion for the San Antonio River. And Mavs fans still say Jason Terry's clinched fist wasn't meant to harm. The Express-News looks back at five of the more memorable Spurs-Mavs playoff moments: Hero to goat
When: Game 7, 2006 Western Conference finals
What happened: Manu Ginobili nails a 3-pointer with 32.2 seconds left, giving the Spurs their first and only lead, only to come back and foul Dirk Nowitzki while trying to block his layup, forcing overtime.
The result: The Mavericks win 119-111 in overtime before they fall to Miami in six games in the NBA Finals.
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When: Game 5, 2006 Western Conference finals
What happened: Jason Terry and Michael Finley are struggling for a loose ball late in the game when Terry sneaks in a punch to Finley's groin area.
The result: The Spurs hang on for a 98-97 victory and Terry is suspended for Game 6, a 91-86 Spurs victory.*** SEE CORRECTION ***
'Ugly thing'
When: 2006 Western Conference finals
What happened: Mavs owner Mark Cuban blogs about Spurs fans, calling them the NBA's "rudest" and claiming they "verbally abused" his wife. He earlier called Tim Duncan a "crybaby" and said the River Walk is an "ugly-ass, muddy-watered thing."
The result: Spurs fans still probably despise Cuban, and the river still is drained and cleaned each year.
Dirk goes down
When: Game 3, 2003 Western Conference finals
What happened: After the Mavs had stolen the home-court edge, Manu Ginobili steps in - right in Dirk Nowitzki's way. Nowitzki lands awkwardly and the series turns in the Spurs' favor.
The result: The Spurs go on to win 96-83, Nowitzki is out with a sprained left knee and the Spurs win in six games before beating New Jersey for the title.
Howard's hard foul
When: Game 1, 2001 Western Conference semifinals
What happened: Late in the first half, Spurs guard Derek Anderson is cut down by a wicked Juwan Howard cross, sending Anderson out of the series with a shoulder separation. Howard is assessed a flagrant type-2 foul and ejected.
The result: The Spurs go on to win 94-78, Howard apologizes and his Mavs are ousted in five games.
