Mavericks Aim for Defensive Discipline and Shots for Klay Thompson Entering Magic Matchup

The Dallas Mavericks focus on defensive discipline and boosting Klay Thompson's shot attempts as they aim to extend their home win streak against the Orlando Magic.

Photo via Dallas Mavericks

DALLAS — Coming off a challenging 108-102 loss to the Houston Rockets, the Dallas Mavericks are zeroing in on defensive discipline and rotations as they prepare to host the Orlando Magic on Sunday. While Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving combined for 57 points in Thursday’s loss, their efforts were undercut by a season-long issue with fouls—a trend the Mavs hope to reverse as they continue their homestand.

Dallas has struggled to avoid unnecessary fouls, ranking among the league's highest in personal fouls per game. The team committed 27 fouls against Houston, sending the Rockets to the line frequently and slowing Dallas’s ability to maintain their preferred up-tempo pace.

Head coach Jason Kidd has been vocal about his team's need to play smarter on the defensive end. “We’ve gotta be better,” Kidd said bluntly after Thursday’s game. “We’re out here hacking. There’s smart fouls and there’s bad fouls, and we have a ton of bad fouls. It’s all coachable. It’s all fixable. It’s not the referees. It’s us.”