DALLAS — Devin Booker shone with 24 points as the Phoenix Suns secured a 125-116 victory over the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. Adding to the Suns’ strong performance, Kevin Durant contributed with 21 points along with nine rebounds and eight assists. Bradley Beal chipped in 19 points, and Grayson Allen added another 17 as Phoenix closed in on a play-in tournament spot, now just 1 1/2 games behind Dallas, who holds the 10th seed position in the Western Conference.
The Mavericks, defending Western Conference champions, struggled significantly due to their depleted lineup, managing only seven healthy players by the end of the game. Naji Marshall was a standout performer for Dallas, achieving a career-high with 34 points in his second consecutive game. The Mavericks faced additional challenges as big men Kessler Edwards and Dwight Powell collided while pursuing a loose ball late in the third quarter, sending both to the locker room. Edwards returned with a bandage over his left eye, but Powell did not return after leaving with a bleeding forehead following brief treatment. Guard Brandon Williams was also sidelined due to left hamstring tightness.
In terms of game dynamics, the Suns exploited the Mavericks’ deficiencies in rim protection, evidenced by Mason Plumlee’s series of scores. Plumlee completed the game with 13 points, including three consecutive dunks in the first half and back-to-back alley-oop slams after halftime. This victory marks a significant achievement for Phoenix, considering Dallas’ current five-game losing streak, the longest of their season. Additionally, the loss dropped the Mavericks below .500 for the first time since mid-November, exacerbated by the absence of star guard Kyrie Irving due to a season-ending knee injury.
A pivotal moment came when Devin Booker hit a crucial jumper that initiated a 19-2 run for the Suns. This surge, which spanned the first and second quarters, effectively turned the tables, establishing a solid lead for Phoenix. The Suns managed to convert a 22-18 deficit into a 37-34 lead, setting the pace for the remainder of the match. The Suns’ successful shooting, evident in their 58% field goal percentage, underpinned their overall performance.
Looking ahead, both teams face challenges as they wrap up back-to-back games on Monday. The Suns are set to visit Memphis, while the Mavericks will begin a pair of consecutive games on the road against San Antonio.
