Angele Arriola

Written by Angele Arriola

Published: 02 Jan 2026

30-facts-about-nets-vs-mavericks
Source: Newsweek.com

Who has the edge when the Brooklyn Nets face off against the Dallas Mavericks? This matchup brings together two dynamic teams with rich histories and star-studded rosters. The Nets, known for their explosive offense, feature talents like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. On the other hand, the Mavericks boast the incredible skills of Luka Dončić, a player who can change the game in an instant. Both teams have passionate fan bases and a drive to win. Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan or just curious about this exciting clash, these 30 facts will give you a deeper understanding of what makes this rivalry so thrilling. Buckle up for a courtside journey through stats, history, and unforgettable moments!

Table of Contents

Nets vs. Mavericks: A Rivalry to Remember

The Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks have faced off numerous times, creating memorable moments and intense matchups. Here are some fascinating facts about these two teams and their encounters.

  1. The Nets and Mavericks first played against each other on October 29, 1980. The Mavericks won 103-92.

  2. Both teams have undergone significant rebranding. The Nets moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn in 2012, while the Mavericks have updated their logo and uniforms multiple times.

  3. The Mavericks' owner, Mark Cuban, is known for his outspoken personality and has been fined over $2 million by the NBA for various infractions.

  4. The Nets' move to Brooklyn was spearheaded by Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, who bought the team in 2010.

  5. Dirk Nowitzki, a Mavericks legend, scored his 30,000th career point against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017. He is the highest-scoring foreign-born player in NBA history.

  6. The Nets have had their share of superstar players, including Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and more recently, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

  7. The Mavericks won their first and only NBA Championship in 2011, defeating the Miami Heat in six games.

  8. The Nets have reached the NBA Finals twice, in 2002 and 2003, but lost both times to the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, respectively.

  9. Luka Dončić, the Mavericks' young star, was drafted third overall in 2018 and has quickly become one of the league's brightest talents.

  10. The Nets' Barclays Center is known for its unique design and state-of-the-art facilities, making it one of the premier arenas in the NBA.

Memorable Games and Performances

Throughout their history, the Nets and Mavericks have had some unforgettable games. Here are a few standout moments.

  1. On March 23, 2006, Dirk Nowitzki scored 51 points against the Nets, leading the Mavericks to a 113-111 victory.

  2. In a thrilling overtime game on February 28, 2018, the Nets defeated the Mavericks 114-106, with D'Angelo Russell scoring 22 points.

  3. During the 2019-2020 season, the Mavericks set a franchise record for points in a game, scoring 143 against the Nets.

  4. On January 2, 2021, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving combined for 54 points, leading the Nets to a 123-95 win over the Mavericks.

  5. In a game on March 4, 2020, Luka Dončić recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists, helping the Mavericks secure a 127-123 victory.

Player Connections and Trades

The Nets and Mavericks have had several players who have played for both teams or been involved in trades between the two franchises.

  1. Jason Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard, played for both the Nets and Mavericks during his illustrious career.

  2. Vince Carter, known for his incredible dunks, also had stints with both teams, playing for the Nets from 2004-2009 and the Mavericks from 2011-2014.

  3. In 2019, the Nets traded DeMarre Carroll to the Spurs in a three-team deal that also involved the Mavericks.

  4. Devin Harris, a former All-Star, was traded from the Mavericks to the Nets in 2008 as part of the deal that sent Jason Kidd to Dallas.

  5. Keith Van Horn, a former Nets star, was traded to the Mavericks in 2005 as part of a multi-team deal.

Coaching and Management

Coaching and management decisions have played a crucial role in shaping the success of both franchises.

  1. Rick Carlisle, who coached the Mavericks to their 2011 championship, is one of the most respected coaches in the NBA.

  2. Steve Nash, a Hall of Fame point guard, became the head coach of the Nets in 2020, bringing a wealth of experience and basketball knowledge.

  3. The Mavericks' general manager, Donnie Nelson, has been instrumental in building the team's roster and scouting international talent.

  4. Sean Marks, the Nets' general manager, has made significant moves to assemble a championship-contending team, including acquiring Kevin Durant and James Harden.

  5. Avery Johnson, a former NBA player, coached both the Mavericks and Nets during his coaching career.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Some lesser-known facts and trivia about the Nets and Mavericks add an extra layer of intrigue to their story.

  1. The Mavericks' mascot, "Champ," is a blue horse, while the Nets' mascot, "BrooklyKnight," was a superhero-themed character introduced in 2012 but retired in 2014.

  2. The Nets' team colors are black and white, symbolizing the Brooklyn Bridge, while the Mavericks' colors are navy blue, royal blue, and silver.

  3. The Mavericks were the first NBA team to have a female CEO, hiring Cynthia Marshall in 2018.

  4. The Nets' "Big Three" of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden was one of the most anticipated trios in recent NBA history.

  5. The Mavericks' home court, the American Airlines Center, is known for its passionate fan base and electric atmosphere during games.

Final Whistle

The Nets vs. Mavericks rivalry has given fans countless unforgettable moments. From thrilling buzzer-beaters to intense playoff battles, these games never disappoint. Both teams have had their share of ups and downs, but their matchups always bring out the best in each other. The Nets, with their star-studded lineup, and the Mavericks, led by their dynamic playmakers, create a spectacle every time they meet on the court.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just enjoy a good game of basketball, this rivalry offers something for everyone. The history, the players, and the sheer excitement make it a must-watch. So next time the Nets and Mavericks face off, grab some popcorn and get ready for a show. This is basketball at its finest, and you won't want to miss a second of it.

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