Dirk Nowitzki has compared the defensive impact Tyson Chandler has had in Dallas to what Kevin Garnett has done for Boston.

"I don't think Ray [Allen] or Paul Pierce were great defenders before K.G. got there," Nowitzki said. "But, K.G., with his energy, his defense, his mentality and his high-octane self, he kind of changed the whole momentum on the defense. I think that's what Tyson did here."

The Mavericks are holding teams to six fewer points than a year ago (93.2) to rank tied for fifth in the league, and they're fourth in opponent field-goal percentage (43.5).

Nowitzki's point on the Celtics has merit.

Boston ranked in the bottom half of the league in two key defensive categories -- 18th in scoring defense (99.2), and 24th in opponent field-goal percentage (46.8) -- the season before Garnett arrived.

The very next season, the Celtics finished No. 2 in scoring defense (90.3) and No. 1 in opponent field-goal percentage (41.9).