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How the Dallas Mavericks have the NBA’s worst defense

By Reid Hanson

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 20: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on October 20, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 20: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on October 20, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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We’re only two games into this young season but the newly built Dallas Mavericks have the honor of being the NBA’s worst defense.

The Dallas Mavericks are 1-1 heading into tonight’s showdown with the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls, 0-2, are not expected to present much of a challenge tonight, as the Mavs try to log a winning record for the first time in nearly forever.

This season is built on varying expectations. The Mavs added DeAndre Jordan and Luka Doncic to their starting lineup this offseason. Both players development and integration are critical to Dallas’ success.

With so many new parts on the team, we didn’t know what to expect early this season. One pleasant surprise is the offensive output. Through these first two games Dallas is averaging 120 points. Only five teams boast more. Their 117.6 offensive rating is also fourth in the NBA. Not many could have envisioned a start like that.

That’s the good news. The bad news is all of these shiny new additions aren’t jelling quite as well on the defensive side of the court. According to NBA.com’s advanced stats, the Mavs have a 125.4 defensive rating. In case you’re wondering, that’s dead last in the NBA.

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The Dallas Mavericks are giving up a whopping 128.5 points per game. This number, fitting of a triple overtime allowance, is largely the result of new pieces finding a way to fit. As the parameter defense improves, overall disorder will fade. All too often we’re seeing penetration forcing parameter players to break from their assignments to lend a hand. This leads to open outside shots and generally uncontested opportunities.

The Dallas Mavericks are producing extreme results on both ends of the court and neither looks like a very sustainable output. Keeping the offensive pace is critical but the Mavs have to find a way to lock down their defense and limit open shots to their opponents.

Next two games critical for the Mavs

There’s no time to waste either. Saturday, next Monday, and next Tuesday the Dallas Mavericks play Toronto (3-0), Utah (1-1), and San Antonio(1-1). The Mavs will be lucky to escape 1-2 from that trio. That’s why the next two games are so important.

The Dallas Mavericks’ next two opponents, Chicago and Atlanta, are extremely winnable games where the Mavs will be favored. It’s imperative Dallas wins these two games and avoid digging an insurmountable hole this early in the season.

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Next. Why Maxi Kleber may be on the cusp of breaking out. dark

Avoiding poor starts is something easier said than done for any team trying to integrate new personnel. For a team like the Mavs who are also adding young cornerstones, it’s a major challenge. Luckily the offensive brilliance has made up for the defensive ineptitude. We just need it to carry the team a little longer while the defense settles in.

  • Published on 10/22/2018 at 17:00 PM
  • Last updated at 10/22/2018 at 16:59 PM
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