Lotsa triumphs. Zero trophies.

While twiddling my thumbs waiting for the Mavericks - or anyone - to make a significant, deadline-beating NBA trade, I wondered just how good Dallas has been this millenium. Calculator + 10 minutes + elbow grease = Yahtzee!

Answer: Damn good. Second-best good.

From the beginning of owner Mark Cuban's reign at the start of the 2000 season through last week's All-Star break, the Mavs have won more regular-season games than every team except - you guessed it - the San Antonio Spurs.

Too bad it's been 8, 1-year sprints rather than 1, 8-year marathon. Because it's close.

How close?

If this were a 10-year race for Team of the Decade, the standings would look thusly: (Of course, I guess you'd have to grudingly factor in the Spurs' three championships as well.)

Most NBA regular-season wins from 2000 through 2009 All-Star break:

1. San Antonio Spurs: 504

2. Dallas Mavericks: 480

3. Detroit Pistons: 443

4. Los Angeles Lakers: 442

5. Phoenix Suns: 418

6. Sacramento Kings: 406

7. Utah Jazz: 389

8. Boston Celtics: 377

9. Indiana Pacers: 370

10. New Jersey Nets: 364

Tags:

basketball, Mark Cuban