Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle received a phone call Friday from President Barack Obama, who congratulated the franchise and the city of Dallas for winning their first NBA championship.

“The thing that he mentions first and foremost was how well we played as a team,” Carlisle told 103.3 FM’s Galloway and Company. “I was really proud of that.”

The Mavericks toppled the Miami Heat in six games, capped with last Sunday’s 105-95 win. Dirk Nowitzki took home Finals MVP honors with stellar fourth-quarter play throughout the series.

Carlisle said he had received messages on his office and cell phones alerting him that the president wanted a word. After a series of calls, the White House switchboard got a hold of the Mavs coach when he was at the airport.

“It was about five minutes, and then the president came on and he said, ‘Coach, congratulations,’ ” Carlisle said. “That was how it started. … He mentioned some of our veteran guys – Jason Terry, Dirk, Jason Kidd, [Shawn] Marion. Of course, [J.J.] Barea’s name came up because he was in Puerto Rico last week.”

While visiting Puerto Rico, Obama took time to single out Barea, a native of the U.S. commonwealth, for his performance in the postseason.

“That guy can play,” Obama said.

The Mavericks are scheduled to play an exhibition game in Washington on Oct. 21. Carlisle said he would love it if he and the team can use that day to meet the president in person.

“If he’s around, that’s an opportunity for us to stop by the White House,” he said.

–ESPN