The Mavericks haven't made it to the NBA Finals in 13 long years.

 The core of the group that clinched the 2011 championship hasn’t forgotten the experience and continues to support Jason Kidd and the new generation of Mavericks.

Before Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday, Kidd shared that he spent part of Monday night at Dirk Nowitzki’s house, enjoying the camaraderie and taking a break from film sessions and strategizing.

When asked to compare the 2011 team with the current squad, Kidd couldn’t resist a bit of humor. “I’d say the ’11 team was better for sure because I was on it,” Kidd said. “And Dirk’s my neighbor so I don’t want to make him mad.”

Turning more serious, Kidd analyzed both teams. “That team was old in ’11,” he said. “This is a young, talented team. This team probably has more talent and youth. But the old guys on the ’11 team knew what they had to do. They sacrificed and embraced their roles, despite injuries, with a next-man-up mentality, similar to this team.”

Players like Jason Terry and Shawn Marion, whose names are on the 2011 championship banner at American Airlines Center, have maintained a lifelong brotherhood, which is evident this year, Kidd noted.

“I was with Dirk yesterday, spent some time at his house,” Kidd said. “Saw Jet here at the arena. Shawn Marion’s texting every day. Those guys have reached out and are cheering from afar. They like the team and what’s happening. Hopefully, we can finish it by winning a championship. But first, we need to figure out how to end this series.”

Regarding player updates, Maxi Kleber returned from a separated AC joint in his right shoulder, which had sidelined him since Game 6 of the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers on May 3. Kidd eased Kleber back into action with short, effective stints. Kleber made an impact early by taking a charge from Karl-Anthony Towns and forcing a shot-clock violation while defending Rudy Gobert.

Minnesota coach Chris Finch noted that the absence of Dereck Lively II, due to a neck sprain, changed the dynamic for both teams. “Missing one of your key players changes what they can do,” Finch said. “If Kleber’s back and playing at the five, it gives them a stretch lineup we haven’t seen all series.” Lively, meanwhile, was on the Mavericks’ bench, cheering his teammates. “He’s doing a lot better,” Kidd said. “Sore, but better.”

On the TNT pregame show, Charles Barkley looked ahead to the NBA Finals, predicting Boston and Dallas as the contenders. Barkley emphasized the importance of Kristaps Porzingis’ health for the Celtics. “He’s going to have to be healthy if they’re going to win against the Mavs,” Barkley said. “Getting Kleber back is a big deal. He’s one of their best shooters, better than all those Mavs’ shooters right now. That’s going to be a hell of a series, but they’re going to need Porzingis.”