Dallas Mavericks: Dusty May Must Put Defense First

The Dallas Mavericks need a defensive identity. Our view: Dusty May must put defense first—building effort, communication, and connected team habits that give Dallas something to lean on when shots aren't falling. We look at the pieces already in place with Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, plus the developmental potential of Morez Johnson Jr. and Tobi Lawal. Which five Mavericks would you trust to close a tight game—and why? Share your lineup in the comments. Your comment may be featured in a future Focus Comment. Subscribe to Mavs in Focus for our perspective on the Dallas Mavericks: what happened, why it matters, and what comes next. CHAPTERS 00:00 Dusty May must preach defense first 00:38 What defense first means for Dallas 03:19 The Mavericks' defensive building blocks 05:19 Morez Johnson Jr. and Tobi Lawal 07:02 Turning potential into a team standard 09:36 Our playoff hopes for Dallas 10:42 Who should close a tight game? 12:51 Your expectations for this Mavericks team MUSIC CREDIT Intro music: Dirty Powerful Rock "Vulture County" by Vlad Annenkov Source: freemusicarchive.org/music/vlad-annenkov/single/dirty-powerful-rock-vulture-countymp3/ Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Edited for this intro: excerpted, volume adjusted, and fades added. #DallasMavericks #Mavs #DustyMay