Dallas Mavericks Get Their Championship Rings

It took a long time, thirty years to be exact. But Wednesday night at a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Dallas Mavericks remembered last year’s magic winning season by pausing to hand out championship rings in a coronation of jewelry.

The rings were massive. There were 31 diamonds clustered on each ring—a diamond for every year of wandering, leading up to the final win against the Miami Heat last season. Tears were seen everywhere in the eyes of the fans at American Airlines Center, even a few among the crusty old journalists of the press corp.

Maverick guard Jason Terry did his jet-takeoff impression after getting his ring. “Imagine a championship ring just a few days after meeting President Obama. What a great country this is and time to be living.”

Ex-Maverick J.J. Barea, who now plays for the Timberwolves, and retired Maverick Peja Stojakovic, one of the best players out of Europe to play in the NBA, got their rings. Four other former players not with the team will get their rings as they play the Mavericks this season. Like Barea, they will be warmly welcomed by Maverick fans.

With the championship banner hanging high, Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban and star guard Jason Kidd embraced after Kidd got his ring.

The crowd became even more energized as Dallas Coach Rick Carlisle called Dirk Nowitzki “The greatest Maverick ever.” Then went on to predict that Nowitzki will one day have a statue in his honor erected at AAC (their home arena).

Then Cuban gave Nowitzki his ring. And as Nowitzki held his ring high above his head and shouted to the crowd, “How’s it look?” The crowd cheered so loud it nearly drowned Carlisle’s mentions of Nowitzki’s many basketball accomplishments.

Finally, Nowitzki presented a beaming Mark Cuban the championship trophy, and said, “Obviously, without this man, nothing would be possible. He’s the greatest owner in sports.”

The Mavericks then lost to the Timberwolves 105-90. But the loss wasn’t reflected in the faces of the exiting crowd. There were broad smiles and excitement in their passing chatter. For one golden, unforgettable season the Mavericks were the best of the best. Fans were proud of the players and proud to call Dallas their home.

Durhl Caussey is a Dallas-based writer covering sports, cars, and life in general.