3 Areas where the Dallas Mavericks need to improve in the 2nd half of the season

#1 Defensive Intensity

Rick Carlisle will be eager to see more effort from his team on the defensive end

Averaging 116.1 points per contest this season, the Mavs owe much of their success to their excellent offense. No team in the NBA is averaging more points per possession (1.17) however, Dallas has struggled throughout the year at the other end of the court. On the surface, the Mavs' 110.0 points allowed per game fails to particularly stand out, although the defense has often gone missing during key matchups against the NBA's other contending teams.

Earlier this week, the Mavs seemed on course for a huge win in Utah, however, the defense put up little resistance as the Jazz scored 32 points in the final quarter, and Royce O'Neal was left wide open to hit the game-winning shot. Unsurprisingly, only two teams in the West are managing fewer blocks per game, while the Mavs are also ranked 28th in the league for steals.

Ultimately, the Mavs are currently getting by against the worst teams, although a lack of defensive intensity is quickly becoming a problem - and Carlisle will want to see an improvement over the next 10 weeks.