DALLAS _ Rick Carlisle makes a living out of pushing the right buttons.
He adjusts on the fly, uses common sense when it's needed and knows how to manage players as well as anybody in the league.
That's why Deron Williams was back in the starting lineup Saturday night after missing eight games with a left big-toe sprain.
When he could function again on the basketball court, he was in the lineup to help the Mavericks steamroll the Orlando Magic, 112-80.
Yogi Ferrell, the rookie sensation who had started seven of the eight games in Williams' place after being plucked from the National Basketball Development League, became a valuable spark off the bench.
Perhaps this was a no-brainer. You don't bench a veteran in his 12th season when he's healthy.
But you can be certain there was a faction of folks who think Yogi-mania is the real deal and that the Mavericks may have stumbled upon their point guard for years to come.
That may still be the case.
But at this time, what Carlisle did was exactly the right thing, especially because Williams was on a minutes-restriction and did not play after halftime. Ferrell did start the third quarter, and by then the Mavericks already were ahead 61-35 and everything that happened the rest of the way was just for show.
Not that Wesley Matthews wasn't impressive. He obviously is warming up for his appearance at the 3-point shootout during next weekend's All-Star festivities. He hit six of his first seven 3-pointers as the Mavericks dominated.
But this was all about the return of Williams and how Carlisle handles the point-guard position going forward.
While Williams works his way back into condition and full health, it won't be a problem. Ferrell has proven in a very short amount of time that he deserves a spot in the playing rotation.
But it was sensible to tap the brakes on expectations and getting Williams back into the lineup allows that to happen naturally.
Ferrell, of course, has become a fan favorite in a hurry and he played well against the Magic. But he is an undrafted rookie who three weeks ago was in the D-League after getting cut by Brooklyn.
Twice.
It's right to let the kid come along at a sensible rate and not fast-track him to superstardom based on an admittedly hot start to his Mavericks' career.
In the meantime, the Mavericks now have another weapon in the arsenal. And when J.J. Barea returns after the All-Star break, that should add yet another playmaker who can make things happen on the floor and give Ferrell even more help.
And, of course, we all know Carlisle's method of operation. This rotation could change in a heartbeat, or with the next player who gets nicked up.
But if the Mavericks are going to get where they want to go _ and they will be right in the Western Conference playoff mix when they return from the All-Star break _ having Williams is essential. He was the player who provided the oomph last season that got the Mavericks into the playoffs in the season's final 10 games.
Williams had seven points, four assists and three steals in his 16 minutes of play.
Ferrell had 10 points and seven assists.
It was a rare laughter for the Mavericks, who have had precious few giggles this season. But when Dirk Nowitzki only needs to play 18 minutes and only one of the starters plays more than 27 (Harrison Barnes put in 31 minutes of action), it's a good night for all the Mavericks.
