Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash were both selected to the 2002 NBA All-Star Game for the first time in their careers. Nowitzki led the team with 23.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team, while Nash averaged 17.9 points and led the team with 7.7 assists per game, and was selected to the All-NBA Third Team. Michael Finley finished second on the team in scoring with 20.6 points per game. In the Western Conference First Round, the Mavericks swept the Minnesota Timberwolves in three straight games, but then lost in five games to the Sacramento Kings in the Western Conference Semifinals. Following the season, Newman retired while Manning was released to free agency.