Mavs 111, Jazz 103

[mtrot]

After this game, Rick echoed your observations about the team improvement in physicality and attention to defensive detail. 

He suggested that the defensive surge originated with the week of practice time that the snow emergency allowed. I have also heard comments from the New Orleans end that Melli is known for lighting a fire under his teammates with respect to high-effort defense and rebounding, and the eye test would support that.

Yeah, it tends to light a fire under you when a new guy comes in off the street and makes your intensity and alertness level appear wanting!