Chandler's Defensive Mindset Gets Mavs Back on Track

Tyson Chandler, who is a NBA veteran in his first year with the Mavericks, has brought a defensive identity to a team that has struggled on that end of the floor in the past. Dallas has one of the best records in the NBA and is coming off a big win at Miami last night.

Here is Dirk Nowitzki on how Chandler's presence is felt throughout the team:

"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."

"It's just his overall willingness to defend," Nowitzki said. "He talks out there. He's always a loud communicator, pushing everybody in the right spots. I think that's what Tyson brings to our team."

Here is Chandler after last night's victory in Miami:

"We got away from that," said Tyson Chandler, who had eight points and 10 rebounds and helped limit the Heat to 26 points in the paint. "It seemed like the longer our winning streak was going, we started to take a step back and relax on the defensive end. It took that loss [to the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 13] to wake everybody back up, and now we're communicating out there and we're actually following Coach's game plan again.

"This has to be our identity. If we want to have a special year, we've got to think defense first."

Brady's Championship Preparation & Mentality

Great stuff on Tom Brady this morning from the USA Today:

"I locker next to this guy, and he never ceases to amaze me with how he continues to improve in his preparation and his teaching of the receivers to gain that edge," said Deion Branch, the ninth-year receiver reunited with Brady in an Oct. 12 trade after four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. "MVP honors don't do anything for Tom.

"You can see it in his eyes, his preparation and his play. Winning Super Bowls is his destiny."

How has Brady continued raising his game in his 10th season as a starter?

"He's always working on the little things that might come up on one play twice a season," says head coach Bill Belichick.

"He continually prepares at a very high level both on the opposing team's scheme and personnel. And he continues to try to have a better understanding of our offense, what options there are on certain plays and situations. He's always striving to get better."

"With any veteran, you naturally take on more responsibility," Brady said. "I do a little more mentorship and relate to what the younger guys are going through.

"My teammates elected me captain. It's something I'm very proud of and take very seriously."

Know your role, do your job

Another win for the Patriots in some tough weather conditions at Chicago yesterday. Coach Bill Belichick is always stressing to his players one thing: 'Know your role, do your job'

"Each week is getting better, and guys are finding their roles on the team and they're starting to step up,'' Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork said. "I just think everybody's doing their job, and they're doing it real good. When we need plays, it seems like guys make plays. This group of guys has grown up a lot, and guys are tuning in to exactly what their role is, and doing it the best they can. And that's pretty good.''