The Mavericks smarted all summer after being ousted in the first round of the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors, who turned out to be the hottest of the NBA's low-seeded playoff teams.

What did the Mavs think of the Spurs' path to the 2007 NBA title?

?They had, as we would see it, an easy road,? swingman Jerry Stackhouse said. ?Really, their main threat was Phoenix, who imploded and messed up their chances."

?But, hey, take nothing away from them. You've still got to go win it, and they did that.?