Mavericks coach’s resolution: better rebounding

As the calendar flips from 2014 to 2015, the Dallas Mavericks know they are in a better position than they were last year at this time.

After 33 games last season the Mavs were 19-14. After 33 games this year they’re four games better at 23-10.

Other than being able to keep his New Year’s resolutions, the only thing that would make coach Rick Carlisle happier is if his team can become better rebounders.

Despite handing the highly regarded Washington Wizards their worst loss of the season (114-87) on Tuesday, the Mavs got stomped on the boards, 48-34. That came one game after Oklahoma City drilled the Mavs on the boards, 53-37, and one game after the Los Angeles Lakers outrebounded them 63-40.

So it’s no surprise that Carlisle’s hope for the New Year is for his team to show some moxie and be more productive on the boards.

“The only thing we’ve got to do better is rebound,” Carlisle said after Wednesday’s practice. “We’ve really had problems the last two games, so it’s got to be a continued emphasis for us.

“We’re doing some other good things. We’re moving the ball pretty well, but defensive rebounding is what it’s going to come down to for us.”

While rebounding is partly about heart, desire and hustle, the Mavericks also are struggling with the technical aspect.

“In some cases it’s blocking out,” Carlisle said. “Sometimes we’re just getting physically overpowered.

“So we’ve got to hit earlier and hit with leverage, block out and then go get the ball. In some cases our big guys are blocking out guys that are bigger and stronger, and our guards got to come in and help us out.”

Long road ahead

Dallas opens the new year with a three-game road trip starting Friday in Boston in Rajon Rondo’s first game there since the Celtics traded him on Dec. 18.

“I don’t think back, really,” Carlisle said. “Whatever we’ve done is over — we’ve just got to keep looking forward.

“Any time you look back and pat yourself on the back a little bit, you get smashed in the face. That’s just how life is in this league, particularly in the West.”

The Mavs are fifth in the Western Conference behind Golden State (25-5), Portland (26-7), Memphis (23-8) and Houston (21-9). They’ve won seven of 10, but have barely made headway in the conference.

Briefly

▪ January is easily the most brutal month of the season for the Mavs. Only four of 16 games are in Dallas.

▪ Dirk Nowitzki is 45 points from passing Moses Malone and becoming the No. 7 all-time leading scorer in NBA history. Malone scored 27,409 points and Nowitzki has 27,365.

This story was originally published December 31, 2014 at 8:04 PM with the headline "Mavericks coach’s resolution: better rebounding."