While I truly don't want to become enbroiled in this argument, I will post a quote by Mike Fisher on the Golden State game.
Quote:
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Dallas did not make its comeback with offense; after all, the club managed to shoot just 38 percent. No, the Mavs came back because of defense.
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This sums up the game with the Magic as well.
Surely something can be made out of the Orlando misses.
But the comeback that fell short was ignited on the defensive end of the floor.
The zone clearly changed the face of the game. And had Dallas not been involved in an OT game on get-away day, one has to wonder if that defeat might have been a victory.
Which is at polar opposition to last year's team and results if in the same situation.
They would have folded tents and the loss would have been huge.
I don't believe anyone is suggesting this is a defensive juggernaut.
But clearly this team plays better defense. It only takes watching the court and seeing teams wear out on the final stanza.
Maybe it's because we have such depth and can keep coming with the pressure in full court.
But last night's lay-up drill by the Magic had more to do with tired legs than it did with poor defense.
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By the way, before the Great Unwashed comments. They did get a center. That should answer your question.