The “Little General” managed to transform the offensively-minded Mavericks into a capable defensive team, which resulted in a franchise best-tying 60-22 record. Over the course of the regular season, Dallas was 7th in the league in points allowed (93.1), 10th in FG% allowed (.443) and 4th in blocks (5.95).
Johnson’s focus on defense guided the Mavericks to the third-best point differential in the league, as they posted 99.1 points per game while holding opponents to a franchise-low 93.1 points. This year marked only the seventh time in the franchise’s 26 years that the Mavericks held opponents under 100 points per game. After being outrebounded last season, they tallied 3.9 more rebounds per game than their opponents this season (3rd best in the league), pulling down 42.2 boards per game and holding opponents to 38.3.
Johnson was the clear choice. He received 419 points in the survey of sportswriters and broadcasters, while last year’s winner, Mike D’Antoni was next best with 247 points.
