Mavericks to Honor Don Nelson November 18
Dallas will celebrate the late Hall of Fame coach at its home game against the Golden State Warriors.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Basketball
The Dallas Mavericks will honor Don Nelson, the Naismith Hall of Famer who died August 9 in Frisco at age 86, during a November 18 home game against the Golden State Warriors. The celebration will take place at the American Airlines Center.
Why it matters
Nelson coached the Mavericks from 1997 onward as general manager and head coach, compiling a 339-251 record with the franchise. The tribute recognizes his lasting connection to the team and to Dallas basketball.
Nelson compiled a 339-251 record as Mavericks head coach and recorded 1,335 regular-season victories across 31 coaching seasons. Nelson won five NBA championships as a Boston Celtics player but never won a title as a coach.
The players
Don Nelson
Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer who coached the Mavericks from 1997 onward and was a three-time NBA Coach of the Year.
Dallas Mavericks
NBA franchise based in Dallas that Nelson coached and served as general manager for beginning in 1997.
Golden State Warriors
NBA franchise opposing the Mavericks in the November 18 game honoring Nelson.
The details
The Mavericks will hold the tribute, called Nellie Night, during the game against the Warriors at the American Airlines Center. A celebration of Nelson's life was previously held in August at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, where Leon Bridges performed River.
Timeline
August 9: Nelson dies in Frisco at age 86.
August: Celebration of Nelson's life held at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church.
Wednesday, November 18: Nellie Night honoring Nelson during the Mavericks vs. Warriors game.
Legacy Context
Nelson's 1997 arrival as Mavericks general manager and head coach launched a tenure that included a streak of four consecutive playoff appearances. The November honor places his Dallas legacy in the context of a franchise he helped shape for decades.
Fans attending the November 18 game at the American Airlines Center will see the Mavericks' tribute to Nelson during the matchup with Golden State. The Mavericks are currently 4-2 and the Warriors are 3-3 heading into the contest.
The takeaway
Nelson's Mavericks tenure remains a defining chapter in franchise history, and the November tribute gives fans a chance to recognize it in person. The honor reflects how deeply his coaching career is tied to Dallas basketball.
What happens next
The Mavericks will host the Golden State Warriors for Nellie Night on Wednesday, November 18, honoring Don Nelson.
Further reading
Explore more Dallas Basketball coverage for context on the Mavericks' history.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth.
