--G J.J. Barea made his first start of the season Tuesday against the Suns. He scored a season-high tying 14 points, with six assists in 30 minutes. His last start was April 15 of last season against Houston.

"J.J. played extremely well and this was a matchup driven decision to start him," said coach Rick Carlisle, who had Barea open against Steve Nash.

--G Jason Terry was glad to get two days off going into Tuesday against Phoenix. The Mavs had just finished a busy run of games with a 4-4 record.

"We'll get our legs back," he said. "You got to remember, that was eight games in 12 nights. That's a tough stretch. We won a majority that we should have won and we dropped a couple we shouldn't have, but now you get your legs back under you, and the schedule comes back to us."

Starting with the Suns, seven of nine are at home.

--F Josh Howard returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing 13 games with rehabbing his sore left ankle. Howard said he feels before than before, when his first comeback ended after just three games.

The latest rehab focused on strengthening the ankle and increasing stamina. "I trust it," said Howard, who came off the bench and scored 20 in 26:10.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G Quinton Ross (back tightness) is out. He could be returning soon.