The San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks have been sustaining their little in-state rivalry for years, something that continues this month with a first-round series between the two teams. However, if the regular season offers any indication, this one likely won't go down in history as one of the great showdowns between the two franchises.
Spurs vs. Mavericks, NBA playoffs 2014: Regular season sweep a good sign for San Antonio
Recent history says the Mavericks will have a tough time keeping up with San Antonio.
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The Spurs swept the Mavs in four games this season, part of their league-leading 62-win campaign. Let’s take a look at those contests briefly.
Dec. 26 — Spurs 116, Mavericks 107
Dallas kept things close in this Boxing Day matchup before bowing out in the fourth quarter. Danny Green was unstoppable for San Antonio, going a perfect 7-of-7 from the field and 5-of-5 from three-point range en route to 22 points in 27 minutes. The Spurs actually had 18 turnovers in the win — uncharacteristic for a team that's usually more stingy with the ball — but Green was the difference-maker. Tony Parker and Tim Duncan put up a combined 44 points, but shot just 13-of-34 from the field.
Jan. 8 — Spurs 112, Mavericks 90
The most lopsided game of the season series saw San Antonio beat up Dallas on national television. Coming off an overtime win over Memphis the previous night, the Spurs stepped up and used a 37-point third quarter to pull away at home. It was one of Dirk Nowitzki's worst games of the season. The Mavericks star scored just eight points on 3-of-14 shooting, struggling with defensive matchups against Duncan and Boris Diaw. Meanwhile, Parker led all scorers with 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting in 29 minutes.
March 2 — Spurs 112, Mavericks 106
Opening the month with a win over Dallas, San Antonio would go on to a perfect 16-0 March as part of a 19-game winning streak. With Parker returning from injury, the Spurs weren’t quite as dominant in this one, but it would be the team’s closest win during its incredible run. Parker (22 points) and Diaw (14 points, 10 rebounds) led the way again for San Antonio.
April 10 — Spurs 109, Mavericks 100
San Antonio completed its season sweep with a road win earlier this month. It was a back-and-forth affair that saw the Spurs up 15-5 early before Dallas rallied, though a 34-21 third quarter eventually allowed Duncan and company to pull away. Without Parker, Patty Mills stepped up for San Antonio in the win, scoring 26 points on 9-of-25 shooting to lead all scorers. The loss forced Dallas into a crucial situation against Phoenix in its next game, but the Mavs clinched by beating the Suns.
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