No celebrating for Mavs: Nowitzki and Terry says conference title means nothing with NBA title
The Mavericks enjoyed a small celebration on the court during the Western Conference Title trophy presentation, but there was no champagne or partying in the postgame locker room.
The series clinching victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday night was satisfying that it allowed the Mavericks to continue on their journey and reach the NBA Finals. But that’s all it was: a step not the destination.
The Mavericks are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since coming up short against the Heat in 2006.
This time second place is not an option, according to guard Jason Terry and forward Dirk Nowitzki, the only two players left from the 2006 team.
“We said to each other, let’s go finish our business,” said Terry of the talk in the post game locker room. “We finally got back. It’s been while. Now let’s see what happens.
“Don’t look at my face and think I’m mad. I’m happy we got this over with. But this was just step along the way. It’s show time now. It’s our time to seal the deal.”
Asked he enjoyed the moment, Nowitzki was even more distant and finals focused: “Not really. We talked about it obviously after the game. But we got one of those trophies already and it didn’t mean anything in the end. Once you get to the finals, there is no second place. Our goal is to win it all and we haven’t done that yet.”
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