WESTERN CONFERENCE.

Dallas

GETTING AN EDUCATION: The first two games of the team's first playoff series in 11 years offered some bitter lessons for a young team. Primary lesson: Playoff experience does matter. Coaches warned that the more physical Jazz would try to use intimidating tactics, but the Mavericks spent too much time fixated on what they thought was uneven officiating.... SG Michael Finley was not intimidated in his first playoff action, raising his aggressiveness from the regular season and getting to the free-throw line 11 times in Game 2.

BIG BENCH HOLE: Swingman Greg Buckner's hard-edged presence was missed against the Jazz. Buckner had a dislocated kneecap, and the bench sagged without his passion and ability to guard four positions. Unlike many teammates, Buckner will drive and risk physical contact rather than settle for the long jumper. He doesn't put up gaudy numbers, but his grit would have lifted the team in a playoff environment. --Ken Sins

Denver

MONEY PROBLEMS: The Nuggets will enter free agency with a long wish list. They want a third scorer to complement PF Antonio McDyees and PG Nick Van Exel. They want another big man. And, depending on what happens with Robert Pack, a free agent after July 1, the Nuggets might be in the market for a backup point guard. The team will be operating at a distinct disadvantage in free agency--it has only two salary-cap exceptions to offer.

STATE OF THE STAFF: Besides the ongoing issue of coach/president Dan Issel's fate, other staff movement could be on the horizon. Assistant coach John Lucas is in the running for the vacant head coaching jobs in Cleveland and Detroit. Kim Hughes is expected to step aside as director of player personnel and become a full-time assistant coach. With so many balls in the air, and the NBA draft approaching, it would make sense to get everything in place as soon as possible. --Michael BeDan

Golden State