Following a Game 1 where the Suns maintained control of the contest from wire-to-wire, the Mavericks are looking for their next gear in Game 2 on Wednesday. In the initial contest of the series, Phoenix was able to keep Dallas at arm’s length the majority of the game. This includes a 13-point lead at halftime and also a 17-point advantage heading into the final quarter of the game. Though the Mavs were able to close the gap in the final quarter, Phoenix was firmly in control of this game from start to finish. Will that change in Game 2 at the Footprint Center?
For Game 2 of Dallas vs. Phoenix, SBS has you set with our breakdown of the matchup, what to look for from each squad and who will be taking the momentum with them to Dallas for Game 3.
Thanks to a well-rounded team performance in Game 1, the Suns were able to firmly outgun the Mavericks. With All-Star shooting guard Devin Booker (23 points, +6 point differential) back in the lineup, the Suns firmly outpaced the Mavs. While Booker was solid in Game 1, it was actually center DeAndre Ayton who led the way for Phoenix with 25 points and 60% shooting from the field. The former University of Arizona Wildcat also pulled down eight rebounds for the Suns and played 33 effective minutes for his squad.
In terms of other standout performances, veteran point guard Chris Paul knocked down some clutch shots to keep the Mavs at bay and also notched 19 points for the game. In fact, Paul led all players with a +14 point differential. With their stars shining in Game 1, Phoenix kept the pressure applied on Dallas throughout the contest and never trailed in the game. Showing their merit as a true No. 1 seed, the Suns also showed off their depth in the first game of the series with six players in double-figures. With a comfortable seven-point victory in Game 1 of the series, the Suns have a winning formula on their hands if they can keep up the pace.
One player to watch in Game 2 will be starting small forward Mikal Bridges for Phoenix. Bridges had a somewhat quiet night for the Suns in Game 1 with 13 points, but if he is able to ratchet up his three-point shooting, then Phoenix should have an even bigger advantage in Game 2.
Though Phoenix’s overall team performance was the story of Game 1, Dallas’ star point guard Luka Doncic did his best to keep his team in the game. Thanks to a dazzling 45-point effort, the All-Star guard kept the game somewhat close, but still out of reach. Doncic made a remarkable 15 field goals in Game 1, including four three-pointers. While the Slovenian scorer was brilliant in the first game of the series (he also chipped in 12 rebounds), it was still not enough for Dallas. Though Luka had no problem scoring, he perhaps could have been more efficient from three-point land (he was 4-11 on the night) and better with the ball (five turnovers). However, for Game 2 it would appear the game plan needs to be geared around defense and containing the red-hot Suns.
With Doncic leading the way for Dallas and doing the lion’s share of scoring for the Mavericks, his teammates did their best in Game 1, but came up short. Dallas did have some solid performances though behind Doncic with fourth-year power forward Dorian Finney-Smith chipping in 15 points. The Mavs also saw some consistent minutes from their bench players with four players with a positive point differential. Also for Game 1, the Mavericks did actually best the Suns when it came to three-point field-goal percentage (41% to 39.3%). It is also important to remember that head coach Jason Kidd is one of the brightest basketball minds and should have his squad ready for a rebound performance in Game 2.
Prediction: The Mavericks are still looking for their first win of the season against Phoenix, but don’t expect to change in Game 2. Select the Suns to win again at home.
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About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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