"Sometimes, it takes a defining moment before you can start banging the drum for a cause.

Shawn Marion had just that kind of moment Wednesday.

Because of his blocked shot on Caron Butler that saved the Mavericks' win over Washington, Marion now is officially a candidate for the all-defensive team.

"Come on," Marion said. "How about defensive player of the year?"

OK, we stand corrected.

The Mavericks have never been defensive masters. But they finally have the kind of players who can play it when they have to.

And Marion has to just about 24/7.

He always has to guard the best player on the other team, unless it's a center.

"And he's been successful doing that," said Jason Terry. "He should be up for defensive player of the year." "