Last year, the Mavericks managed a phenomenal 13-game improvement over the previous season. To accomplish one critical goal in 2001-02, Dallas figures to need only a five-game improvement.

The pure mathematics make it seem doable. So does a figurative scrap of paper Michael Finley carries in his mind.
     ?Making and succeeding in the playoffs is the first goal,?? says Mavs owner Mark Cuban. ?But we?re also trying to catch San Antonio. What if we somehow catch San Antonio and win the Midwest Division???