Dallas Mavericks news: Defense wins games and more

Dallas Mavericks center DeAndre Jordan discussed how the defense is sparking their recent run. Plus, a Wes Matthews injury update and all the links of the day.

The Dallas Mavericks are playing their best basketball of the season. They have won two straight games including their first road victory of the year on Monday. The Mavs have also won three of their last four.

Harrison Barnes finally getting back to full strength plays a massive factor in the recent run, but so does the Mavericks improved defense. Dallas has held the opposition under 100 points twice in 13 games. Their two most recent contests are the only times all season. The Wizards scored exactly 100 in the Mavs first win in the last four games. Tough defense is leading to victories.

Starting center DeAndre Jordan shared the following thoughts on the team’s recent defensive performances courtesy of Dwain Price.

DeAndre Jordan on the #Mavs defense the past 2 games: "Our guards have done a great job of getting into the ball -- a lot of pressure on them. I think the 2nd unit is playing great. Defensively, we put a lot of pressure on those guys to guard guys." @dallasmavs
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) November 13, 2018

DeAndre on Finney-Smith: "As you saw, he did a hellva job guarding somebody who's having a helluva year in (Zach) LaVine. We got Harrison (Barnes), who can guard multiple positions. Maxi (Kleber) is blocking everything, and Luka (Dincic) is getting better on defense every night."
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) November 13, 2018

See if the Dallas Mavericks can keep it going tonight in a home game against the Utah Jazz.

Matthews injury update

Wesley Matthews sat out against the Bulls on Monday with a hamstring injury. He did not even make the trip to Chicago for the game. That had fans worried that Matthews could miss significant time. Here is what Coach Carlisle had to say after Tuesday’s practice.

Carlisle said Wesley Matthews (strained left hamstring) is doing good and there's a good chance he'll play tomorrow against Utah. Matthews missed Monday's game against Chicago. @dallasmavs
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) November 13, 2018

Expect Matthews back this week. He likely returns to his starting role and plays significant minutes, so continue to monitor his status.