The Dallas Mavericks acquired several offensive-minded players in the offseason, which makes instilling a productive defense more difficult for Rick Carlisle.

"Our practice today was very much geared towards defensive mentality, posture, disposition and finishing off plays," Carlisle said.

The Mavericks have eight new players on their roster.

"It's doable," Carlisle said. "It's a lot of communication, a lot of individual meetings, a lot of film sessions.

"Our film session was longer than our practice because we had to look and see areas that we need to get better. We also have to look at and see things we're doing well, to keep doing it."