Top 5 all-time Dallas Mavericks playoff leaders: Legends of the Court (Updated March 26, 2025)

The Dallas Mavericks, with their rich history in the NBA, have made the playoffs 25 times and secured one NBA Championship in 2011. Their playoff legacy is marked by incredible performances from both stars and role players. Here, we take a look at the top five all-time leaders in playoff games played for the Mavericks, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the team’s success in the postseason.

1. Dirk Nowitzki – 145 Playoff Games

Dirk Nowitzki is not only the greatest player in Dallas Mavericks history but also one of the most iconic figures in NBA history. Spanning an illustrious 21-year career, all with the Mavericks, Nowitzki made 14 All-Star teams and earned the NBA MVP Award in 2007. The German giant led the Mavericks to the 2011 NBA Championship, where he was named Finals MVP. Across 145 career playoff games, Nowitzki averaged 25.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 three-pointers. His leadership and clutch performances during the 2010-11 Finals, where he averaged 27.7 points per game, were crucial in delivering the franchise’s first-ever NBA title.

2. Jason Terry – 87 Playoff Games

Jason Terry, known for his scoring prowess and leadership off the bench, played a key role in the Mavericks' success throughout the 2000s. After joining the Mavericks in 2004, Terry became an integral part of the team’s offensive attack and was one of the most effective sixth men in the NBA. Over his 87 playoff appearances with Dallas, Terry averaged 16.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.9 three-pointers per game. He was a vital piece of the Mavericks’ 2011 championship team, providing timely shooting and playmaking, and was also a five-time Sixth Man of the Year finalist, winning the award in 2009. Terry’s scoring in the clutch, particularly in Game 5 of the 2011 Finals, helped propel the Mavericks to their title.

3. Josh Howard – 62 Playoff Games

Josh Howard was one of the key players for the Mavericks during the mid-2000s, making significant contributions both offensively and defensively. Selected by Dallas with the 29th pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, Howard became an immediate contributor, making his lone All-Star appearance in the 2006-07 season. Howard played a pivotal role in the Mavericks’ 2006-07 season, where they made a deep playoff run to the NBA Finals. Although the Mavericks fell short in the 2006 Finals, Howard averaged 15.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steals over his 62 playoff games with the Mavericks. His versatility and defensive ability were crucial to the team’s success in those years.

4. Erick Dampier – 57 Playoff Games

Erick Dampier, known for his rebounding and shot-blocking ability, was a steady force in the paint for the Mavericks in the mid-2000s. After stints with the Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors, Dampier joined the Mavericks in 2004 and provided a much-needed physical presence in the frontcourt. While he was not a key scorer for Dallas, Dampier’s contributions on defense and on the boards were vital. Over 57 playoff games with the Mavericks, Dampier averaged 4.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. He was part of the 2006 team that made it to the NBA Finals but fell short to the Miami Heat in a hard-fought series.

5. Michael Finley – 56 Playoff Games

Michael Finley was one of the Mavericks’ most consistent performers throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. After being traded to Dallas from the Phoenix Suns in 1996, Finley became one of the team’s top scorers and was instrumental in leading them to the Western Conference Finals in 2003. A two-time All-Star during his time with the Mavericks, Finley was a dynamic scorer and a key veteran presence on the team. In 56 playoff games with Dallas, Finley averaged 17.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.9 three-pointers. While the Mavericks did not win a title during his time with the franchise, Finley’s contributions helped set the foundation for future playoff success.

Honorable Mentions & Related Stats:

The Mavericks' playoff history is filled with numerous players who contributed to the team’s deep playoff runs. These include standout performances from key contributors like Davis Bertans and DeShawn Stevenson, who helped Dallas secure their 2011 NBA Championship. Other notable leaders include Reggie Bullock and Jalen Brunson, who were crucial in recent seasons.

Looking Ahead:

The Mavericks’ pursuit of more NBA titles continues, with Luka Dončić leading the charge. The franchise’s history in the playoffs has been built on a combination of stellar individual performances and deep team contributions, and the Mavs will be looking to add to their rich postseason legacy in the coming years. As they aim for another championship, these five all-time playoff leaders will remain integral to the team's history and success.