There's not anything that can happen in an NBA game from a mental standpoint that I haven't already faced growing up and playing in Chicago," Finley said. "There's nothing that anyone could say or do to me that I haven't already experienced."

That goes triple for the Mavericks, who have three Chicago natives in Finley, Tim Hardaway and Juwan Howard. All three travel home Wednesday when they face the Bulls at the United Center. All three credit their upbringing for providing their foundation of toughness and gritty basketball style.

Of course, they all have heard the legends of New York playgrounds ? how the best games are there, the greatest talent is on those asphalt courts. That only makes them develop a deeper pride for their own Windy City childhood.