Protecting the paint? If the Mavericks needed proof that their interior defense is crucial if they want to accomplish anything, it came early in the game. They gave up 24 points in the paint in the first quarter and trailed 33-21. They did a much better job the rest of the way and stayed in firing range throughout because of it. In the second and third quarters combined, the Pacers had only 18 points in the paint. The paint also opened up late for former Maverick Monta Ellis, who put a move on Dirk Nowitzki and had a wide-open run to the rim for the bucket that made it 114-110 with 48.
Three takeaways: Drop the Barnes concern meter a notch despite Mavs' loss to Indiana in opener
