Mike Brown is the new coach of the Los Angelos Lakers. The Lakers were expected to announce Brown as the 22nd coach in franchise history Wednesday afternoon but first issued a statement. “In response to rampant speculation and reports about our head coaching position and Mike Brown, we’ve met with Mike and are very impressed with him,” the team said. “In addition, we have an outline for an agreement in place and hope to sign a contract within the next few days.” Brown, who is currently in Cleveland, will sign the contract later this week. According to league sources, the deal will be for four years and $18.25 million.

After clawing back from down 15 with 5:06 left in Game 4, the Mavericks were down by six with 4:37 left when they rallied again, outscoring the Thunder 14-4 the rest of the way. The biggest on-court celebration in franchise history followed, with the greatest player in franchise history hardly soaking it in. “It feels good to finally go back,” Nowitzki said. “This time, hopefully we can finish the job.”

The Mavericks have long been among the NBA’s elite, winning 50 games for 11 consecutive seasons. However, it’s been a bit hollow because they don’t have a title to show for it. They reached the Finals in 2006, went up 2-0 and had a big, late lead in Game 3, only to lose to the Miami Heat in six games. They’d won only a single playoff series since until this spring.

Dallas is 12-3 this postseason, and has won 10 of its last 11. Nowitzki has been at his best throughout, especially this series. He scored nine of his 26 points in the fourth quarter; for the series, he averaged 32.2 points, 11.8 in the fourth quarters and overtimes.