Falling to a 97-82 defeat at the hands of the streaking Atlanta Hawks while welcoming reserve guard J.J. Barea back into the lineup after missing seven straight games, the Mavericks (11-26) wrapped up a 1-2 homestand on the losing end. The Mavs will now attempt to get back on track on the road Monday in Minneapolis, beginning a two-game trip away from home against the Minnesota Timberwolves. But with a matchup in Mexico City against the Phoenix Suns looming, the Mavericks know they can’t solely rely on their improved health to get back in the win column.
“It’s good to have everybody back and to have all the pieces together, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do,” Barea said after scoring seven points, grabbing four rebounds and dishing seven assists in 17 minutes of work following a lengthy hiatus with a left leg muscle strain.