Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks Game Player Stats and Box Scores for February 22, 2024
The Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks met for the third time this season on Thursday. Suns guard Bradley Beal was inactive as he dealt with a hamstring injury. Phoenix looked to get a 2-1 series edge without one of the NBA’s best shooting guards.
The Suns got off to a quick start behind the hot hands of Devin Booker who already had 12 points in the first quarter. Kyrie Irving, however, wouldn't let the visiting team get away early and erupted late in the first period for 13 points.
Kevin Durant started to be more assertive in the second quarter with Booker cooling off a bit. Grayson Allen also made his presence felt with his outside shooting to keep Phoenix a step ahead of Dallas.
Luka Doncic started the second period on the bench but caught up with his production. He finished with a game-high 21 points in the first half. Like "KD", he became more aggressive with the Suns' defense focusing on Irving. "Luka Legend," however, was called for his third personal foul midway through the quarter, which could be crucial in the second half.
The Phoenix Suns held a slim 63-60 lead after the first 24 minutes of the game.
The second half was when the Dallas Mavericks started to pour it on and had the Phoenix Suns reeling. Devin Booker's 13 third-quarter points barely kept Phoenix in the game. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving took turns in torching the visitors' defense.
"Luka Legend" scored 20 points in the second half to pace the Mavericks. He had a game-high 41 points to go with 11 assists, nine rebounds and four steals. Doncic did damage not just with his playmaking but also with the way he manipulated Phoenix's defense.
"Uncle Drew" supported him with 29 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Irving had several highlight reel shots that had the Mavericks crowd on its feet.
The Suns, behind Devin Booker, gamely tried to stay within striking distance. Kevin Durant's struggles, however, prevented them from doing that. Durant shot 9-of-23, including 2-of-8 from deep to finish with 23 points. He also may have injured his knee after an accidental collision with PJ Washington.
The Dallas Mavericks provided the finishing touches to a strong second-half performance and won, 123-113 to extend their winning streak to seven games. Dallas improved its record to 32-23, one game behind the Suns (33-22) for fifth spot in the Western Conference.
Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks game player stats and box scores
Phoenix Suns game player stats
Dallas Mavericks game player stats