The 1995–96 NBA season was the Mavericks' 16th season in the National Basketball Association. The Mavericks got off to a fast start winning their first four games. However, after a 5–1 start to the season, they struggled losing 21 of their next 24 games, as Jamal Mashburn went down with a knee injury after playing just 18 games, averaging 23.4 points per game. Mashburn, second-year star Jason Kidd and Jim Jackson all had trouble getting along as teammates, as Mashburn and Jackson both feuded with each other, and Jackson and Kidd both feuded with each other; there were rumors that R&B singer Toni Braxton was involved in Kidd and Jackson's feud. The team's troubles continued as sixth man Roy Tarpley was banned from the NBA for violating the league's anti-drug policy. The Mavericks suffered a