Dallas, TX

How The Dallas Mavericks Built A Dynamic Defense At A Bargain

Published

2 years ago

May 4, 2024

Press Room

How The Dallas Mavericks Built A Dynamic Defense At A Bargain

PJ Washington & Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks. Mason Plumlee, Los Angeles Clippers.

MediaNews Group via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks have officially eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers and are now advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

As a five seed playing against a four seed, their triumph in this series isn’t all that bizarre. What is weird, though, is how they have achieved their success. The Mavericks, a team headlined by their star duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, aren’t winning with only their offense (7th in offensive rating in these playoffs). They are doing it with their defense (6th in defensive rating), too.

Even more impressive than their overall defensive rating, the Mavericks are first in the entire playoffs in opponent rim accuracy (50.0%) by a landslide (the Thunder are second with an opponent rim accuracy of 53.2%, per Cleaning the Glass).

Top 10 Playoff Defenses in Opponent Rim Accuracy.

Cleaning The Glass.

Winning with defense isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel. Throughout NBA history, teams have used their elite defenses to fuel deep playoff runs. The thing that makes what Dallas is doing unique (and worth writing an article about) is their roster construction.

One of the elements that makes the NBA so intriguing is that the teams participating in it are restricted by a salary cap. That means that teams are limited in how much money they can spend (before getting penalized).

This year, the Mavericks have 56.7% of their salary cap tied to Doncic and Irving (per Spotrac) — two players who are known in many circles as defensive liabilities. So, how has Dallas managed to build a strong playoff defense when over half their cap space is tied to poor defensive players?

Part #1: A Smart Offseason

The Mavericks knew they were set on offense with Doncic (100th percentile in Offensive Estimated Plus-Minus, per Dunks & Threes) and Irving (98th percentile) on their payroll. So, they prioritized adding defensively-slanted players for cheap in the 2023 offseason.

During this period, they made three key acquisitions. The first one came in the 2023 NBA Draft, where the Mavericks traded back (with the Thunder, coincidentally) in order to acquire Dereck Lively II. Since Lively is a rookie, he’s only making about 4.8 million dollars this year (3.5% of the cap). To his credit, though, Lively has been worth every penny. Despite his inexperience, Lively has been one of the better rim protectors in basketball (94th percentile in block rate).

The second deal they made was a three-team sign-and-trade with the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs to nab Grant Williams (more on this in a second).

The last piece of the offseason puzzle was a seemingly inconsequential mid-August signing (one that we predicted wouldn’t be so inconsequential). The player in question was Derrick Jones Jr., who they got at the veteran minimum. Since Jones had seven years of work experience coming into 2023-24, the Mavericks were able to sign him for a little over two million dollars (1.48% of the salary cap). Jones has turned out to be Dallas’ best perimeter defender (92nd percentile in Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus), and he’s had a massive positive impact on the team’s overall defense (80th percentile in defensive rating on/off).

Part #2: An Active Trade Deadline

After a diligent offseason, Dallas established itself as one of the most aggressive teams of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, using their draft capital to acquire more size and defense.

We mentioned the Williams trade earlier. Unfortunately, his time in Dallas wasn’t the most pleasant. However, the Mavericks were able to flip him, Seth Curry, and a 2027 first round pick for PJ Washington. Washington is a rangy defender (80th percentile in DEF EPM) with a 7’2.5 wingspan. Plus, he’s only making 16.8 million dollars this year (12.4% of the salary cap), which is both a good price for a starting caliber forward and a relatively easy number to match in a trade.

The other medium-sized swing they took at the deadline was their trade to land Daniel Gafford from the Washington Wizards (in exchange for Richaun Holmes and a 2024 first round pick). Gafford also gives them more length (6’10 with a 7’2.25 wingspan) and a rim protector to man the paint when Lively isn’t on the floor (97th percentile in block rate).

Part #3: Team-Wide Buy-In And A Creative Coach

The beautiful thing about defense is that a lot of it comes down to effort (from the players) and scheme (from the coaches), and neither of those variables costs any money (well, coaches cost money, but it doesn’t count against the salary cap).

Everyone on the Mavericks is completely bought into the defensive side of the ball, even the notorious turnstiles Doncic and Irving.

A great way to measure defensive effort is to look at how many deflections a player is accruing during their time on the court. Of the 102 players who have logged at least 100 minutes in these playoffs, Doncic and Irving are both in the top 20 (per NBA.com).

Irving, in particular, has really risen to the occasion. In Games 5 and 6, he spent large portions of the game defending James Harden so that Washington could stay off-ball and provide secondary rim protection (Washington was in the 71st percentile in block rate this year, by the way).

Head Coach Jason Kidd has also done a good job coming up with creative ways to maximize his players’ strengths (like keeping Washington off-ball). For instance, he’s had Doncic do more defending in isolation because that is one of the better facets of his defensive arsenal. Most coaches would do anything to hide their worst defenders. But not Kidd. Kidd understands that Dallas’ defense is better with Doncic and Irving in the heat of the action because it allows their better defenders (Washington, Jones, Gafford, etc.) to clean up their messes on the backline.

Part #4: A Change In Officiating

Do you know what else is free? Officiating that lets players be more physical on defense. It’s no secret that games have been called different since after the All-Star break, leading to a league-wide scoring decline.

This has helped a team like Dallas — who touts a lot of defensive-first wings/forwards/center — because they can put more defense on the floor without paying a huge tax on offense (it also helps that Doncic/Irving are such prolific offensive players).

Putting It All Together

Between Lively, Jones, Gafford, Washington, Josh Green (3.5% of the salary cap), and the now-healthy Maxi Kleber (8.1%), Dallas has a ton of affordable length and athleticism to help them safeguard the paint (the most important part of defense). They have also maximized the features of defense that don’t count against the salary cap (effort and coaching), along with getting some help from the NBA’s decision to prioritize defense.

When you put that all together, you have a recipe for building a great playoff defense on a budget.

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Related Topics:Dallas Mavericks Daniel Gafford Derrick Jones Jr.Featured Kyrie Irving Luka Doncic Pj Washington

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Dallas, TX

Dallas church stands firm with rainbow steps art win

Published

12 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

Dallas church stands firm with rainbow steps art win

A hearing room at Dallas City Hall was packed with an overflow crowd. Supporters of Oak Lawn United Methodist Church were ready for a fight, but that fight was one-sided.

“Rainbow steps shouldn’t be controversial,” one supporter said during his 3 minutes at the public comment microphone. “It’s just paint, y’all!”

The church came to the Dallas Landmark Commission to get permission for the rainbow steps painted last month in response to Governor Greg Abbott’s order to paint over crosswalks with political or ideological references, like the rainbow crosswalk outside Oak Lawn United Methodist.

“”These rainbow steps that I’m sitting on are an art installation,” Oak Lawn United Methodist Church Senior Pastor Reverend Rachel Griffin-Allison said. “We feel that it is urgent to make a statement, make a bold statement, and a visible statement, to say that who you are is queer, and beloved, and belongs here.”

As NBC 5 spoke with the pastor, someone yelled homophobic insults from a passing car.

“This is important to have because that kind of heckling happens all the time,” Griffin-Allison said somberly.

The church, a Gothic revival building, is a designated historic landmark, which is why it needed the Dallas Landmark Commission’s approval.

“They are not considered part of the historic preservation building; they are just steps,” one speaker said during public comments.

Several speakers pointed out that the steps had been painted a “gaudy blood red” in the past, and then a shade of gray with no comments or approval.

“When I see the stairs, I see love, support, inclusion, and kindness,” a woman wearing sequin rainbow sneakers said. “They bring a smile to my face and my heart.”

“If you don’t like rainbow steps on your church, then go to one of the 500 churches that don’t have them,” a young man said to the commissioners. “We have one street that represents this culture, and we have one church with rainbow steps!”

Not a single speaker spoke out against the rainbow steps art installation, and it was apparent there was no fight with the commissioners either, as they unanimously voted to allow the rainbow steps to stay up for 3 years.

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Dallas, TX

Dallas dating app meeting ends in fatal shooting and murder charge

Published

24 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

Dallas dating app meeting ends in fatal shooting and murder charge

DALLAS – Dallas police arrested a man for murder after they say he shot a couple he met through an online dating app.

What we know:

Investigators say 26-year-old Noah Trueba shot and killed a 57-year-old woman on Friday morning in Northwest Dallas. Dallas Fire-Rescue responded and pronounced one of the individuals, 57-year-old Guadalupe Gonzalez, dead at the scene.

The second victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

According to an affidavit, Trueba drank and used drugs with the two, who called themselves husband and wife. Trueba later told police that the couple tried to sexually assault him, so he opened fire.

A police drone located him hiding along a nearby highway, after he ran from the scene.

What’s next:

Trueba was arrested at the scene. He is currently booked in the Dallas County Jail and being charged with murder.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Brewster Billings at 214-671-3083 or at brewster.billings@dallaspolice.gov.

The Source: Information in this article was provided from documents provided by the Dallas Police Department.

Crime and Public SafetyDallasDallas County

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Dallas, TX

Defensive coordinator candidates who could improve Cowboys’ brutal secondary in 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

Defensive coordinator candidates who could improve Cowboys’ brutal secondary in 2026

Sunday was another frustrating game for Dallas Cowboys fans who had to watch the secondary miss one tackle after another against the New York Giants.

In addition to the poor angles and inability to wrap up, the defensive backs couldn’t consistently stop an aerial attack that was without their top two players. That sums up the season for the Dallas defense, which is why Matt Eberflus being relieved of his duties feels like a foregone conclusion.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 NFL opponents, home & away schedule set

From there, the question turns to who will replace Eberflus. While there’s no shortage of options available, here’s a look at some of the top candidates if Dallas made fixing the secondary their primary goal.

Daniel Bullocks, DB Coach/Pass Game Specialist, San Francisco 49ers

Detailed view of a San Francisco 49ers helmet at State Farm Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most impressive coaching trees. While Robert Saleh didn’t excel as a head coach, he returned to his role as defensive coordinator and continued to excel. They’ve also seen DeMeco Ryans do an extraordinary job in Houston as a head coach, with a staff loaded with former 49ers assistants.

That’s why looking at their staff is a wise move. One name to consider is Daniel Bullocks, who has been an assistant with San Francisco since 2017. He currently serves as the safeties coach and pass game specialist. While they haven’t been elite this year, his unit is usually among the best in the NFL.

Aubrey Pleasant, Assistant Head Coach/Pass Game Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant on the sidelines. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Aubrey Pleasant has been a name to watch for years, even interviewing for multiple defensive coordinator vacancies. He’s been with the Los Angeles Rams since 2023, and was promoted to assistant head coach in 2024.

Cory Undlin, Pass Game Coordinator, Houston Texans

Houston Texans defensive passing game coordinator Cory Undlin reacts during pre game against the Indianapolis Colts. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

DeMeco Ryans was mentioned earlier as a great coach to come out of San Francisco. One assistant he brought along with him is Cory Undlin, who has been a pass game specialist for the 49ers (2021-2022) and now the Houston Texans (2023-present).

MORE: Dak Prescott explains why he’s not blaming himself for Cowboys’ failed season

Houston has a vicious defense led by hard-hitting safeties and physical cornerbacks. Undlin deserves credit for helping develop their young talent and could help Dallas get back on track in the secondary.

Al Harris, Pass Game Coordinator/DB Coach, Chicago Bears

Dallas Cowboys player player Trevon Diggs talks with Al Harris during training camp at Ford Center. | Handout Photo-Imagn Images

Everyone who follows the Cowboys knows, and loves, Al Harris. He was part of Dan Quinn’s defensive staff and was credited for developing ballhawks such as Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland.

Harris left this offseason and while the Cowboys fell apart, the Chicago Bears began to generate turnovers at a high rate. We’ve seen enough to know Harris should have been kept.

Raheem Morris, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the Seattle Seahawks. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Raheem Morris was fired after two seasons as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, but that doesn’t mean he’s a bad coach. Morris remains one of the more well-respected defensive minds in the NFL, even winning the Super Bowl in 2021 as the Rams’ defensive coordinator. That was his second Super Bowl ring, as Morris earned one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the 2002 season. That year, he was a defensive quality control coach for Jon Gruden.

Morris excels at coaching defensive backs and brings extensive experience to the table. He may be exactly the kind of hire Jerry Jones would feel comfortable making, and one Cowboys fans could believe in.