Thunder-Mavericks Game 5 photos

Jason Terry #31 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after a three point shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Five of the Western Conference Finals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 25, 2011 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.  

The Dallas Mavericks can take some time to savor their Western Conference championship as they wait to see who will emerge from the East. The host Mavs eliminated the young Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 on Wednesday night, 100-96. For owner Mark Cuban (fist raised) and veteran Dirk Nowitzki (right, behind trophy), it will be their second trip to the NBA Finals together. This will be the first trip for coach Rick Carlisle (in tie).

Russell Westbrook and the Thunder tried to gain some control over Game 5, but the Mavericks rallied once again, outscoring Oklahoma City 28-20 in the fourth quarter in Dallas' closeout victory.

Russell Westbrook scores a game-high 31 points but shoots just 11 of 28 from the floor in the Thunder's 100-96 loss that ended their season Wednesday.

Despite only scoring two points, Jason Kidd, left, grabbed seven rebounds and added 10 assists as he continued to show poise through the series' conclusion.

That's what Shawn Marion did in Game 5, scoring 26 points to tie Dirk Nowitzki for the team high Wednesday night.

Kevin Durant scores 23 points but is held to 8-of-20 shooting from the floor as the Thunder's season comes to an end.

Eric Maynor scored five of the Thunder bench's 40 points, but it's not enough in the end.

J.J. Barea puts up another solid effort off the bench, scoring 14 points and adding five assists.

After Dallas won 50 or more games for the 11th consecutive season, first-year Maverick Tyson Chandler hopes the Mavs can capture the franchise's first NBA championship this time.

Jason Kidd (2) knocks the ball away from Kevin Durant during a see-saw Game 5.

Dirk Nowitzki is back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2006, when the Mavs lost to the Heat in six games. Will he get the chance to exorcise those demons against the same team?

Tyson Chandler, left, continued to get the better of Kendrick Perkins, scoring nine points and adding nine rebounds while Perkins was held scoreless in Game 5.

Dirk Nowitzki shows some hops with this rare dunk during his 26-point effort in Game 5.

Though it might be tough for Kevin Durant to swallow right now, the young Thunder had an impressive playoff run this year.

Dirk Nowitzki shoots 8 of 15 from the floor, sinks all nine of his free throws and adds nine rebounds as the Mavs put the finishing touches on the Thunder.