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Hawks welcome Mavs to Dixie

Nov 20, 2010 - 3:50 PM (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Hawks will return home for two straight matchups against NBA powerhouses starting with tonight's showdown versus the Dallas Mavericks at Philips Arena.

The Hawks will also host the Boston Celtics and are 3-3 at home. They have won two in a row since a four-game losing streak and handed the Indiana Pacers a 102-92 setback on Tuesday from Conseco Fieldhouse. Josh Smith finished with 25 points, eight rebounds and seven blocks, while Mike Bibby went for 16 points and seven assists for Atlanta, which has won seven straight over Indiana.

"It was beautiful to watch, when we pass and play like that and defend on the other end," Hawks first-year head coach Larry Drew said. "I think they are learning to play through adverse times. We work on the things you believe in. It will all come together."

Al Horford contributed 15 points and Marvin Williams, Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford each had 11 points in the victory. The Hawks, who began the year with a 5-0 mark and improved to 5-1 away from home, had 26 assists and shot 50 percent from the floor.

Dallas, meanwhile, comes in after dropping an 88-83 decision to Chicago on its home floor Friday night. Derrick Rose overcame a bloody nose in that one to score 22 points for the Bulls.

Dirk Nowitzki had 36 points for the Mavericks, who have lost back-to-back games for the first time all season. Caron Butler added 12 points, but Jason Terry was limited to 3-of-15 from the field in a nine-point, eight-assist night.

"Tonight I'm concerned about our rebounding," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "There are going to be nights where Dirk is going to have a huge night; he's that great of a player. But 20 offensive rebounds and 25 second chance points is just tempting fate too much, it's as simple is that."

The Mavericks and Hawks split a home-and-home series a year ago, with each team holding serve as the visitor. Dallas has won seven of 10 and eight of the last 12 meetings with Atlanta.