DALLAS - If the Mavericks don't pick up the pace on the defensive end of the floor real soon, that trip to the playoffs this season might be short and painful.

The Mavericks have allowed 12 of their past 15 opponents to score at least 100 points, and six opponents have topped 110 points.

The points allowed were somewhat acceptable when the Mavericks won. However, they've lost three of the past four games and have permitted nearly 117 points per game in those losses, making the defensive lapses more glaring.

How do the Mavericks solve their defensive woes? All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki said he and his teammates must take some pride in keeping the man they're guarding in front of them so they won't get any easy baskets.