By Byron Moten
The Dallas Mavericks evened up the series 2-2 in the second round of the NBA playoffs over the Phoenix Suns 111-101. Both team have now won on their home court respectively. Even more so giving the Mavericks an extra game to come back to Dallas and hopefully close out the series to reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2011.
The Mavericks opened up the first quarter on fire from the 3 point line and never looked back. Pouring in a total of 20 three-pointers (45.5%). Which also matched the same total from another Mother’s Day playoff game where the finished off a sweep of LA heading to win that NBA title in 2011. Majority of the three-pointers came from Dorian Finney-Smith. Who scored a playoff career high of 24pts off 8 made three-pointers. Also contributing big from the 3pt line was Davis Betrans (12pts 4-6 from 3pt) off the bench.
All-Star Luka Doncic added in 26pts for the Mavs. For the last 2 games at home, he’s averaged 25+ points a game. But both of those have come in victories at home. In the previous 2 games on the road vs the Suns. He’s scored 45 points and 35 points respectively. Didn’t shoot well from the field but added in 11 assists. Which is a great thing for having his teammates pickup up the workload and providing much needed help offensively. Jalen Brunson also contributed with 18 points and played great defense and offense against Chris Paul getting him frustrated to the point of fouling out the game in the 4th quarter. Only finishing with 5 points and 7 assists.
Early foul trouble and bad turnovers (23 in total) was the main objective that lead the Suns to a frustrating loss. Devin Booker lead the Suns with 35 points. Which was the only player that made the game close for the Suns in the 4th down 6 points midway through. Jae Crowder finished with 15 points and 4 fouls. Deandre Ayton had 14pts and 11 rebounds.
The Mavericks will head back to Phoenix for game 5 on Tuesday. There will be a Game 6 here in Dallas on Thursday May 12th. If necessary. Dallas will host another home game on Sunday May 15th.