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10 Recent NBA Dynasties That Never Were

By Jamal Williams

Basketball: Orlando Magic Shaquille O'Neal (C) happy and pointing with Anfernee Penny Hardaway (R) on bench during game vs Denver Nuggets at Orlando Arena. Orlando, FL 12/14/1994 CREDIT: Ben Van Hook (Photo by Ben Van Hook /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X47547 )
Basketball: Orlando Magic Shaquille O'Neal (C) happy and pointing with Anfernee Penny Hardaway (R) on bench during game vs Denver Nuggets at Orlando Arena. Orlando, FL 12/14/1994 CREDIT: Ben Van Hook (Photo by Ben Van Hook /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X47547 ) /
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SEATTLE – JANUARY 11: Head Coach Avery Johnson and player Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks talk on the sidelines during the game against the Seattle SuperSonics on January 11, 2008 at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE via Getty Images)
SEATTLE – JANUARY 11: Head Coach Avery Johnson and player Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks talk on the sidelines during the game against the Seattle SuperSonics on January 11, 2008 at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE via Getty Images) /

10. Dallas Mavericks (2006-07)

Fresh off an NBA Finals defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat, the Dallas Mavericks took that internal anger and aimed it toward the rest of the league, thrashing each opponent as if each one had a direct hand in them losing the year before. The Mavericks continued to turn up the heat (no pun intended), and looked destined to make a glorious title run and avenge their Finals loss.

Putting up a mark of 67 victories is no easy task. With Avery Johnson prepping his team (ultimately winning Coach of the Year), Mark Cuban constructing the dominant team and Dirk Nowitzki asserting himself as the leagues Most Valuable Player, the Mavericks were poised for victory.

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However, what would happen in the first round of that playoff series is something no one saw coming. It was a modern-day matchup of David vs. Goliath as the Mavericks were looking to do away with their eighth seed opponent, the Golden State Warriors.

Sure, many thought the Warriors would win a game or two, but none thought the team would challenge the Mavericks the way they did. Led by Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson and the tasteful play style of Baron Davis, the Warriors upset the Mavericks in a six-game series victory.

To say it was stunning would be an understatement. It left the team in shame and Nowitzki’s MVP as a hollow victory. The Mavericks would eventually win their first title in 2011 ironically against the Miami Heat of a different variety, but many were still left wondering what the 2007 team could have been if they had gotten the job done.

Next: When Less Needs More