The 1998 Western Conference Semifinal Comeback

Lore & Background

Game 6 was a defensive battle that turned into an offensive thriller. Playing at Reunion Arena, Dallas overcame a 2-1 deficit to force overtime, where they scored the series-winning goal. The arena erupted as the Stars celebrated their advancement, marking a triumphant end to a hard-fought series.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Reunion Arena was thick with humidity and desperation. It was late in the third period of Game 7, and the scoreboard read Detroit 4, Dallas 1. The Red Wings looked poised to close out the series and march toward the Stanley Cup Final. But then, a loose puck near the boards sparked a shift in momentum. Derian Hatcher stole it, feeding Mike Modano who threaded a pass through traffic. Within minutes, the deficit vanished. The roar of the crowd grew from a murmur to a deafening chant as Brett Hull skated alone toward the net, his stick raised, ready to etch his name into Dallas history.

Reader's Guide

The situation in Game 7 was dire: down 4-1 with less than five minutes remaining in regulation. The Red Wings had controlled the game's tempo all night, stifling the Stars' offense and capitalizing on defensive errors. However, a shift change by head coach Ken Hitchcock injected fresh legs and urgency into the lineup. The pivotal moment arrived when Dallas scored three quick goals to tie the game at 4-4, forcing overtime. The crowd's energy shifted from despair to electric hope as the teams skated onto the ice for extra time. Brett Hull, who had been held in check for much of the series, finally found his range. In overtime, Hull received a pass near the blue line, deked past a defender, and fired a shot that beat Red Wings goalie Mike Vernon. The arena exploded as fans rushed the ice, celebrating what many called an impossible resurrection. Fans still remember this moment because it defied all statistical logic. Overcoming a 3-0 series deficit was rare enough; doing so against Detroit's dynasty and then coming back from three goals down in Game 7 made it a defining chapter for the franchise.

Did You Know?

• The Stars won Game 6 3-2 in overtime at Reunion Arena to clinch the series.
• The Red Wings had won the Stanley Cup just one year prior, in 1997.
• This series victory sent Dallas to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the Edmonton Oilers.

Franchise Origins and Expansion

The Dallas Mavericks emerged from a unique convergence of local ambition and league necessity during the late 1970s. While initial attempts to relocate existing franchises like the Milwaukee Bucks or Kansas City Kings failed, Don Carter's desire to gift his wife an NBA team kept the dream alive. Partnering with Norm Sonju, they successfully lobbied for expansion despite league hesitation regarding Texas already hosting two teams. The 1978-79 season's financial struggles across the league ultimately paved the way for Commissioner Larry O'Brien to approve new franchises in Dallas and Minneapolis. Although Minnesota withdrew, Dallas secured its spot with a $12.5 million fee, half funded by Carter. The team's identity was shaped by fan engagement, with 'Mavericks' selected via postcard vote over other options like 'Wranglers,' inspired by the classic western TV series. This naming choice connected the franchise to Texas heritage while avoiding legal conflict with the University of Texas at Arlington.

Building a Contender Through Drafting

The Mavericks' transition from an expansion afterthought to a playoff contender hinged on strategic drafting and opportunistic acquisitions in the early 1980s. After their inaugural season ended disastrously with a 15-67 record, the front office made pivotal moves that defined the team's future. The trade of holdout Kiki VanDeWeghe to Denver yielded two crucial first-round picks: Rolando Blackman in 1981 and Sam Vincent later on. Simultaneously, the 1981 draft class provided an immediate core with Mark Aguirre as the number one pick and Jay Vincent at number twenty-four. These selections, combined with a shrewd mid-season signing of Brad Davis from the CBA, transformed the roster. Davis became a twelve-year staple whose jersey was eventually retired, while Aguirre and Blackman established themselves as All-Stars who led the team through the 1980s. By their second season, these efforts lifted the Mavericks out of the division cellar to a 28-54 record, setting the stage for sustained competitiveness.

The Era of Dirk Nowitzki

Following a period of struggle in the 1990s, the franchise found its true identity and greatest success through the acquisition of Dirk Nowitzki in 1998. His arrival marked the beginning of the most prosperous era in Mavericks history, transforming them from a rebuilding project into a championship contender. Nowitzki served as the cornerstone for over two decades, guiding the team to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance in 2006 and culminating in the franchise's only championship title in 2011. His twenty-one seasons with Dallas remain a record of longevity and excellence, anchoring the team through various roster changes.

Modern Resurgence and Recent Achievements

In the years following Dirk Nowitzki's retirement, the Mavericks quickly revitalized their fortunes with the arrival of Luka Dončić.