Dallas Mavericks: 5 takeaways from scrimmage win over Sixers

Dallas Mavericks takeaway from scrimmage vs. Sixers: 3. Defense

Defense has been a point of emphasis for the Mavs in training camp 2.0. They had the best offense in the NBA before play was suspended, but sit 17th in defensive rating.

The Mavs struggled mightily in the scrimmage against the Pacers. Part of it was Kristaps Porzingis sitting out. Fans can read more on why their defense will struggle anytime KP heads to the bench here.

The Mavericks were locked in early against the Sixers on Tuesday. The starters held them to eight points with three minutes remaining in the first when Luka Doncic headed to the bench for a rest. It carried through as Philadelphia had just 39 points at the half.

Doncic was outstanding on Ben Simmons. The All-Star was just two of ten from the field in 19 minutes. The Sixers were outscored by 11 points when Simmons played.

Things broke down a bit in the second half. Tobias Harris got incredibly hot. He had 28 points in 29 minutes of action against Dallas.

Still, the Mavericks showed they can be better defensively, if they lock-in. That will be important in the playoffs. Expect Dallas to make it happen when the games matter most in Orlando.

Next: No. 2