Eddie keeps his spot, George next option

Avery Johnson has no plans to replace Eddie Jones in the starting lineup with Devean George or anyone else … for now. Jones started last night’s loss in Utah, but played only four minutes, while George had his best game of the season with 13 points in 24 minutes off the bench.

“I’m pretty consistent with what I’ve been saying,” Johnson said during his pregame media session. “Right now I just want to give Eddie a look and see how it works. He hasn’t been in there for too long. He didn’t play too much last night, so hopefully he’ll have a lot of energy tonight. We want George to continue what he’s been doing.”

Johnson did admit that if he made a change that George “would be my next option.” George was effective in the starting lineup last season before getting injured.

Jones, George and Co. won’t have it easy tonight with Cleveland in town. The Mavs did limit LeBron James to 10 points in the 92-74 victory to open the season. Jones and Trenton Hassell chased James around most of that night.

“They tried to make it as difficult as they could,” Johnson said. “He missed some open shots. More than anything, we were trying to attack on the offensive end which got him in some foul trouble, which helped us.”