78R19595 WMS-D

By:  Hodge                                                        H.R. No. 1877



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Dallas Mavericks recently completed their 
highly successful 2002-2003 National Basketball Association season 
by winning their way to the Western Conference Finals, and the 
team's achievements signal a bright future for the franchise; and
	WHEREAS, After completing the grueling regular season 
schedule, the Mavericks began their playoff run with a thrilling 
four games to three triumph over the Portland Trailblazers; Dallas 
was again pushed to a deciding game seven in the second round by the 
Sacramento Kings, but the team demonstrated true championship heart 
and earned a place in the Western Conference Finals; and
	WHEREAS, The Mavericks faced an uphill battle in their final 
series of the season against the San Antonio Spurs after Dirk 
Nowitzki went down with an injury, but Dallas refused to go quietly, 
and extended the Spurs to six games before finally falling to their 
intrastate rival; and
	WHEREAS, This memorable season was a result of total 
dedication to team goals by players Tariq Abdul-Wahad, Raja Bell, 
Shawn Bradley, Evan Eschmeyer, Michael Finley, Adrian Griffin, Raef 
LaFrentz, Eduardo Najera, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Nick Van Exel, 
and Walt Williams; and
	WHEREAS, Legendary head coach Don Nelson has worked 
relentlessly to mold this group of talented players into a 
championship-caliber team, and he has been ably supported in his 
efforts by assistant coaches Donn Nelson, Del Harris, Sidney 
Moncrief, Charlie Parker, and Rolando Blackman, trainer Roger 
Hinds, and assistant trainer Steve Smith; and
	WHEREAS, The Dallas Mavericks' thrilling exploits during the 
2002-2003 campaign are a source of tremendous pride to Mavericks 
fans, the city of Dallas, and the State of Texas, and it is most 
appropriate that the team receive special legislative recognition 
at this time; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate the team members and coaching staff 
of the Dallas Mavericks on the team's truly exceptional season and 
extend to them sincere best wishes for future success; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the Dallas Mavericks as an expression of high regard by 
the Texas House of Representatives.