Someone forgot to tell Joe Johnson that the Atlanta Hawks were not supposed to be in the thick of things against the Dallas Mavericks.
Johnson has 16 points and Jamal Crawford posted seven to keep the Hawks within striking distance of the Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Dirk Nowitzki and former Hawk Jason Terry have 12 each for Dallas, which has a 52-49 lead at the break.
Atlanta is in this one without Marvin Williams, who was suspended two games for his altercation with New York Knicks forward Shawne Williams in the Hawks' 111-102 win over the Knicks on Friday night at Philips Arena.
The Hawks are playing well despite being shorthanded. Fatigue has not set in for Atlanta on the second game of a back-to-back. Atlanta has connected on 55-percent (22-of-40) from the field in the first 24 minutes, but is only 1-for-10 from behind the 3-point line.
Atlanta also has had trouble getting to the free throw line, only managing to get to the line just five times in the first half. Dallas on the other hand has attempted 14 free throws. They are also 3-for-9 from behind the arc and hold a 19-15 edge on the glass.
The Hawks' post play has been fine, but they're going to need to draw contact inside and get to the line if they want to run with the Mavericks in the second half.