Hawks-Mavs: A litmus test

In the previous post, I discussed how the lineup of Kidd, JJ, Terry, Dirk and Bass was working, despite all the size problems it presented.

Tonight should be an interesting case. The Atlanta Hawks are chock full of athletic swingmen, the kind that should easily be able to beat someone like JJ if he's playing the two.

So far (halfway through the 3rd quarter) the ultra-small lineup hasn't come out, but Kidd-JJ and Terry-JJ have been a guard tandem.

One thing that has helped the Mavs in this respect is giving Devean George the start. While he is technically playing the three, he's helping guard people like Joe Johnson and Josh Smith.

The Hawks represent a team that the Mavericks need to be more like, despite the obvious differences in their records over the past few seasons.

They are incredibly athletic and good jump shooters, and they are very good at getting to the line at will. They've caused some foul trouble for both Dirk and George.

J.J. Barea (a recent addition to my fantasy squad, I might add) has provided another bonfire (as opposed to a spark) off of the bench, guiding Dallas to a 15-point lead by scoring 14 in the 3rd quarter.

When Jo-Ho and Wright get back, this could be a very dangerous team.