JAN HUBBARD DALLAS — Gregg Popovich added to the budding legend of J.J. Barea on Tuesday night when he paid Barea the highest compliment that an opponent can earn. Late in the Spurs’ 133-126 double overtime victory over the Mavericks, Popovich assigned 6-foot-7 Bruce Bowen — an eight-time member of the NBA first or second all-defensive team — to guard the 5-10 1/2 Barea.

Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard’s status is no longer day-to-day, as it has been for more than a week.

The Dallas Mavericks continues a season-long seven-game homestand Saturday by welcoming the streaking Atlanta Hawks to American Airlines Center.

The Dallas Mavericks continues a season-long seven-game homestand Saturday by welcoming the streaking Atlanta Hawks to American Airlines Center.

Less than a minute into the fourth quarter, the “MVP” chants at American Airlines Center started again after about a two-year timeout. They were for J.J.

Less than a minute into the fourth quarter, the “MVP” chants at American Airlines Center started again after about a two-year timeout. They were for J.J.

By JEFF CAPLAN DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki is sleeping a little better these days. At least the best he can. “I don’t sleep well after games anyway, win or lose,” Nowitzki said

By JEFF CAPLAN DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki is sleeping a little better these days.

By JEFF CAPLAN DALLAS — Really, how monotonous would it be to trot out the same starting lineup game after game after game? Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle wouldn’t know, although he might like to find out

The Phoenix Suns will try to stop a season-high three-game losing streak tonight when they pay a visit to the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.