The end of the regular season is supposed to be a prelude to the playoffs.

It is supposed to remind fans what the sport has to offer. It is supposed to be when casuals are given a reason to tune in.

Games 17, 82 and 162 are supposed to be — get this — dramatic, and no, competing to keep your top-10 protected pick does not count as dramatic.

That is why the NBA not just should, but must, come down hard on the Mavericks for making a mockery of their play-in competition and the fundamental idea that making the playoffs is, unto itself, a success.