Problems on defense? Speak up!

The Mavs’ problems start with defense. At least that’s the educated opinion of Avery Johnson. So what specifically is at fault?

“Penetration, penetration, penetration, pick-and-roll defense – there’s a couple of miscues there,” Johnson said, no doubt emphasizing the former. “Again, until we learn how to communicate. Boy, when we’re in the locker room, they have a lot of fun. When they’re on the bus, they have a lot of fun. When they’re out here for pregame, they love each other and have a lot of fun.

“But when we’re on the court, we’re too quiet. I’m trying to figure out a way to transfer that type of energy on the court.”

Johnson explained that two positions on the court most responsible for speaking up. Gana Diop and Devin Harris, step right up.

“First of all, it’s your center because he’s the anchor,” he said. “Your point guard is kind of the head of it, so it starts there and then it trickles down to everybody else.”