DALLAS - The Mavericks will be remembering more than the Alamo when they tangle with the San Antonio Spurs at 7 tonight at the Alamodome.

They'll probably remember that this is the place where their improbable playoff run ended last season. They'll probably also remember that, counting the playoffs, the Spurs have beaten them 19 of the past 24 times these teams have met.

Despite all that as a backdrop, Mavericks coach Don Nelson tried to downplay the significance of tonight's game.