DALLAS — In addition to airing every game of the 2024 NBA Finals on our station, WFAA is also hosting a special presentation called "The Pregame" before every matchup in the series. Head here for more information.
Cheryl Jackson is a lifelong Mavericks fan. She has the Mavs swag to prove it.
“I have Jason Kidd’s jersey, Dirk’s jersey, Luka’s jersey. I have so many jerseys,” Jackson said.
She said she has felt like part of the team.
“Kyrie gave these to me at the close out game when it was 14 and 0 and he won,” said Jackson. “When Kyrie sees it, ‘baby, you are a winner. You’re a winner.”
Jackson will do just about anything to support a Mavs win in the finals.
“I believe that our voices as one will literally help them win the game,” said Jackson. “Everybody needs to put in their work as fans. I’ve been to Boston. It’s hell in Boston. Let me just tell you. Let’s go to heaven in Dallas.”
Jackson’s love for the Mavs is personal.
“I love the game of basketball, but what the Mavericks have done off court for me and my organization just speaks volumes,” said Jackson.
Jackson is the founder of Minnie’s Food Pantry. When a severe storm hit in 2019, they lost everything.
“All of our ceilings collapsed. All of my food had to be thrown away,” Jackson said.
Mark Cuban donated $10,000 to help the pantry. Since then, the Mavs have been supporting her organization.
“If he had not made that donation all those years ago, the 28 million meals that we’ve done to this day would not have happened,” Jackson said.
It was a sense of gratitude that was quickly overcome by another. WFAA was at Jackson’s home when she got a call from a friend who surprised her with tickets to Wednesday’s game.
“I’ve got tickets to the game. I’m going to be in the front row screaming. Let’s go Mavs!” Jackson said.
She wants other fans to cheer on the Mavs too.
“I believe that the Mavs love -- the Mavs fans -- we love the Mavericks more than [Celtics fans] love the Celtics. The only way we can show it is by being loud, rowdy and proud all together,” said Jackson. “The Mavericks can’t sit down on the court. We can’t sit down in our seats. Let’s rock that place.”
