Mavericks in a familiar place: first round exit

Dallas Mavericks, one of top teams in the NBA, entered the season in mid-April and found themselves in a familiar place at end of April/first week of May: a first round playoff exit. Ever since NBA Finals trip in 2006 Mavericks had been eliminated from first round of the playoffs in 3 out of 4 years. Seeded no. 2 in the playoffs they end up losing to 7th seeded San Antonio Spurs in six games, a team they beat last year to move to the second round. Despite a team of stars and 50+ wins in the regular season they exit the playoff in another major disappointment. Mavericks facing uncertainty with a possibility of Dirk Nowitski opting out his contract. What does Dallas have to do to get in the second round?