The Association: Dallas Mavericks

[vtcha]

NBA Finals: (1) Charlotte Hornets vs. (3) Dallas Mavericks

April 24, 2026 | by NBA News

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In a rematch of last year's NBA Finals, the Hornets got off to a strong 7-0 run to start the game. Lawrence Howard looked primed for a big night, swatting away Dallas' first two shot attempts whilst Jarell Benson scored all 7 of Charlotte's points. He would finish the game with 22 points (10/21 FG) and 4 assists.

However, the momentum started to shift after an early time-out called by Mavs coach, Rick Carlisle. From there, Dallas started chipping back and eventually closed out the quarter leading 35-27. It was an impressive 15 point swing with Ben Simmons setting the example.

But it did not end there for him, as he would finish the game playing arguably his finest performance of the postseason. Simmons, who failed to make a single three-point shot for the entire season, hit two in this game, as he was absolutely rolling, making his first 7 attempts of the game.

With the remaining three quarters neck-and-neck, it was ultimately the first quarter that was all that separated the two teams with Dallas winning 111-103, thus making it back-to-back titles in franchise history.

Ben Simmons was unanimously named the Finals MVP where he finished with 36 points, 17 rebounds and 9 assists. The award remarks a phenomenal season for Simmons, whom also was named the MVP during the regular season.

In his interview with Doris Burke, a teary Simmons spoke of finally winning his first championship. "Words simply can't describe this feeling. I've wanted this so bad and to finally get it makes the journey, the struggle and everything else all worth it. I want to thank my teammates and coaching staff for putting me in this position to succeed. I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am without them."

The win captivates as the fourth NBA title for the Mavericks in six years, and arguably challenges the Golden State Warriors as one of the greatest teams in the past decade.

Box Score

Spoiler

[vtcha]

DeRozan signs off

May 12, 2026 | by NBA News

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After 16 season in the league, DeMar DeRozan, at the age of 36, announced his retirement yesterday afternoon.

DeRozan, whom last played for the Jazz, made six All-Star appearances throughout his career, with his best year coming in 2019 where he was named to the All-NBA Third Team.

Many will remember DeRozan during his tenure with the Toronto Raptors where he would become their all-time leading scorer, and pairing with Kyle Lowry to form one of the top backcourt duos in the Eastern Conference.

DeRozan leaves behind career averages of 17.8 PPG, whilst appearing in 646 games. He was also a part of the USA gold medal team in the 2016 Olympics, as well as 2014 FIBA World Championship squad.

Below is the full list of player retirements as announced by the league officials yesterday morning.

[trekfan]

Damn, George Hill really hung around -- 40!

Nice title with Ben Simmons and the Mavs, looks like he was exactly the right signing for you team. Now the question becomes how much does Dallas need to do in the offseason to have a shot at another title next year?

[Son of Sam99]

Bazemore too!!! Who will Under Armor get to wear their stuff now!?

[vtcha]

Quote: Originally Posted by Son of Sam99

Bazemore too!!! Who will Under Armor get to wear their stuff now!?

Haha don't worry, Curry is still around

[SportSeasonsNetwork]

LOL Seth retired before Steph!

[vtcha]

After 10 years of service with the Dallas Mavericks, vtcha has resigned from his role of advisor. Owner, Mark Cuban, broke the news momentarily this morning as he addressed the Dallas media.

"It was one helluva ride since vtcha came to this organization in 2016. And at times, though we never saw eye-to-eye, his bold, rational decisions inevitably changed the culture of our organization. Through all the ups and downs, I definitely felt that his impact has left a bright mark on the future of the franchise.

During his tenure with Dallas, vtcha made a shrewd of gutsy moves, from giving up multiple draft picks to trade for John Wall, to the low-key signings of Serge Ibaka and Tim Hardaway Jr., to the trade for Paul George, as well as the big free agency reels of DeMarcus Cousins and Ben Simmons, it has all resulted to eight Playoff appearances, of whom four were huge successes, winning the Western Conference title and NBA championship.

Since vtcha's arrival, the Mavericks have accumulated a regular season record of 90-50 and 19-4 in the postseason.

vtcha left behind a message on the popular sports gaming website, Operations Sports, thanking the Dallas fans as well as the OS community.

[trekfan]

A good ride and time by all, well-worth the read! Enjoy your 2K vaca, we'll be here waiting when you need to scratch that dynasty itch.