Legendz

Between the first and second quarters Saturday night, the American Airlines Center crowd broke loose in one of the first spontaneous standing ovations of the season.

The applause weren't for the Mavericks.
The team had its fourth annual Seats for Soldiers night during its game against the Utah Jazz. The military personnel who ringed the front row all wore commemorative white T-shirts and got a chance to enjoy a good NBA game from the most expensive seats in the house.

Each year, the team gets its front-row ticket holders to donate their seats for the occasion. It's emotional and, perhaps, just a little bit of a boost for the Mavericks, too.

"I love going out there and seeing them," Jason Terry said. "To see them, it lets you know that what we're doing is not as important. They're the real heroes."

Win or lose, Avery Johnson enjoys the night, particularly when the game is over and he gets to mingle with the 125 or so men and women who were chartered from San Antonio by American Airlines.

"This is always one of my favorite nights," Johnson said. "To see our military out there, guys who have been wounded in battle and be able to go out there and give them a hug, take a picture.

"We always talk about it's a war out there on the court. I try not to use that word, because it's really not a war."

Added Devin Harris: "It's special. We're able to do the things we do because of what they do."

Coach understands, steps in: Devean George is easing into the rotation after returning from a foot injury, and he was asked before Saturday's game about Johnson's demeanor during the 3-6 stretch.

"He's been very understanding, very patient – very patient," George said. "Funks happen throughout the season, and we have a little one going on right now. We're just having a little bad point of the season."

Johnson is, however, taking a more pro-active stance when it comes to getting the Mavericks into their correct sets offensively.

"I'm going to call a few more plays and help us get better in some of the sets I know we need to be in," Johnson said.

Mostly, that's to help Harris get back into a better groove. It worked, too, as Harris had 12 assists Saturday.

"Teams scout," Johnson said. "When they try to take away your strengths, you've got to be smarter and make better decisions. More than anything, he's got to make sure he gets after it defensively. More than the offensive end, he's taken a step back defensively, and he's one of our better defenders."

George, by the way, looked better in his brief time Saturday night than he had in his debut Thursday.

"It's going to take some time to really get my rhythm," he said. "But I felt good. The foot felt great."

No comfort zone: Johnson was asked if he felt comfortable wearing the microphone in Thursday's nationally televised game.

The answer was a resounding "no."

"I've got to find a way to keep my energy when I'm like that," he said. "I have to find a way to be myself."

He said he thinks he has figured out a way to do that, but he wouldn't divulge it. He was asked if wire cutters were involved, and just laughed.