[Bryan_Wilson]

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dall...ghts-playmaker

"At first, we just wanted him to be able to command a double-team," guard Devin Harris said of Barnes. "Now teams are starting to double-team him, and he's making decisions. He's starting to see other guys and get shots for open guys, which takes his game to another level."

Nobody appreciates the work Barnes is doing more than Nowitzki. He's been the man for so long, hundreds of men have come and gone in the Mavericks organization.

Nowitzki continues to be impressed with the work ethic Barnes exhibits and the talent he has.

Just recently, he's seen Barnes find Deron Williams and Harris for wide-open 3-pointers after drawing the double-team in the post. Those are plays that stars make -- the sort of plays that don't necessarily end with him putting the ball in the basket.

"He's making plays now that he wasn't making a month ago, or even a couple weeks ago," Nowitzki said. "Just being there, he has more experience now. He knows how to get his shot up and if not, where his open guys are. He's trying to play an all-around game for us."