AJ: "Different Maverick ballclub"

In both games against the Timberwolves this season, the Mavs were outscored in the paint. At least the gap has shrunk.

Minnesota enjoyed a 58-46 edge scoring edge inside when Dallas won 109-103 back in late November. The margin was down to 34-32 in yesterday’s whitewash.

“It was embarrassing the way we defended the paint last time, but that was kind of a different Maverick ballclub,” Avery Johnson said after the game. “This ballclub that you see here now recently, very recently by the way, is trying to play a little better defense no matter who we are playing.

“They were pretty embarrassed with their first half of the last game (Miami), and we asked them to come out and do something about it. They did. This particular Maverick team is not really complaining, not having discussions with the referees. They are really locked in on what they are doing and it is pretty fun to watch.”