The Mavericks took the long way, in many ways an uncharted path, to the NBA Finals

And now either Dallas or Boston will be the league's sixth new champion in a span of six seasons

Back in October, in faraway Madrid, no one in the Dallas Mavericks' inner circle would have dared to dream any of this.

The third trip to the NBA Finals in franchise history?

After missing the playoffs completely?

Clinched by winning in Minneapolis three times in nine days against the league's No. 1-ranked defense?