Putting the 'D' in Big D

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Putting the 'D' in Big D

As the last two teams standing duke it out in the NBA Finals, it's easy to see why defense is what wins championships. Though the Dallas Mavericks made strides in that department this season, if they are to take a title trip next year, then their ticket will be defense.

The Mavericks came into the 2009-10 campaign with a defense-first mentality. Despite struggles offensively, the renewed focus on defense seemed to lead to much success in the early stage of the season, leading forward Dirk Nowitzki to say this:

"I'm actually surprised by our defense. Overall, the consistency defensively has been pretty impressive. That was our goal coming into the season, to be a better defensive team -- compete harder and hold teams in the low 40s (shooting percentage). We did that a bunch of times, so that's actually been impressive.

"As our offense gets better, we don't want to take steps back defensively. We want to keep our defensive intensity at the same level and just get better offensively. We don't want to trade defense for offense."

But trading defense for offense is exactly what the Mavericks did through the ladder part of the season.

By season's end, the Mavericks proved to be just a middle-of-the-pack defensive team. Ranking 15th in the league in points allowed, surrendering 99.28 points per game, the Mavericks often traded baskets with their opposition -- something that would catch up with the 11th-best scoring team in the league (102.0 ppg) when it mattered most.

With the Dallas offense not at its best, the Mavericks' defense was unable to withstand the potent attack of the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs -- losing in six games to their Southwest Division rivals. San Antonio's 46 percent shooting against the Dallas defense in the series proved to be the difference, as the Mavs connected on just 43 percent at the other end.

Still, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle feels that his squad can be a top-tier defensive unit, after seeing glimpses of how well the team can execute when protecting its own basket.

"The improvements in our team this year have been more about better things we're doing at the defensive end, and we have to stick with that," Carlisle said. "Shot-making can come and go, but your defense can hold you in games and give you a chance to win if you're not making it."

Now, as the Mavericks scout potential prospects before selecting someone with the 50th overall pick in the Draft on June 24, the front office is eyeing a player that can do more than just shoot the ball through the bottom of the net. The next Mav will be asked to do much more than just score.

"Whoever is on the floor has got to give us great effort and they have to bring to the table what they do -- if it's a shooter or driver or whatever. But everyone on the floor has got to give us defense," Carlisle said.

For all of your news on the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EarlKSneed.