NBA Playoffs 2014: Mavericks wanted to play offense over defense against Spurs

Apr 20, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis (11) walks off the court after the loss to the San Antonio Spurs in game one during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. The Spurs defeated the Mavericks 90-85. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Halfway through the fourth quarter of Game 1 between the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs, the Mavericks appeared poised to steal home court advantage and squeak out a shocking opening game victory.

But just as quickly as their lead amassed, it evaporated as the Mavericks – playing relatively small – were getting abused on the defensive end and their red-hot shooting turned ice cold.

So why the lack of defense, namely Samuel Dalembert and Shawn Marion? According to head coach Rick Carlisle, it’s because Dallas wanted to play offense over defense.

"The Mavs had good looks to finish out the game. The execution was solid, but they didn’t get the desired result. Hindsight is clearly 20-20, and Carlisle made his choice to go with offense over defense.“That’s a judgment call,” Carlisle said. “And at that point, we had a good rhythm going offensively. Then we just got in a situation where we needed to score, so I elected to stay with that group.“And I’ll look at that. That may be something I’ve got to reevaluate for Game 2.”"

It’s hard to say that the Mavericks would have held their lead had Dalembert and/or Marion been on the floor during the Spurs game-winning run, but it’s certainly something many in Dallas are grinding their teeth over on Monday morning.

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