The Mavericks have begun to flame out on defense lately, dropping games back-to-back to the Suns and Blazers. The fourth quarter defense that the Mavs have relied on all season has been non-existent. “The tough-mindedness we exhibited the first portion of the season, I happen to believe is still there,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “I don’t believe it was fool’s gold...The team was energized by defense. Repeatedly, on nights we weren’t shooting it well, we were hanging around and finding ways to win.” The Mavericks have surrendered 101.5 points per game in January, after giving up just 96.5 points on average in the first two months. The first answer might be to get their best defenders some extra time on the court. Quinton Ross, who was a starter early in the season before getting injured, plays great defense. Another factor is Erick Dampier’s left knee keeps acting up. When Damp is missing defensively for the Mavericks, it’s almost impossible for the perimeter players to stay up on shooters. There are only a few nights on this schedule that the Mavs have less talent than the opponent and it needs to start reflecting that. “We can’t be adrenaline junkies and take it down to the last possession every night,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “We should be a better basketball team than that.”

Upcoming Opponents:
2/5 vs Minnesota Timberwolves – The young team lacks experience, but they’ve started giving more minutes to former Mavs Ryan Hollins and it’s made them tougher defensively.

2/8 at Golden State Warriors – This team beat the Mavs with six players and no head coach. Anything is possible.

2/9 at Denver Nuggets – If the Nuggets can get Carmelo Anthony healthy then this should be a tough game.

My prediction for this stretch: 2-1