Dallas Mavericks amped up their game in Friday’s 93-104 victory over the Phoenix Suns. First and foremost, they appeared more poised in the defensive end, especially against Chris Paul and Devin Booker.
“Everybody joined the party,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said to the reporters after the game. “They helped out on both ends. Luka was great defensively. He participated, too. It puts us in a different position when that happens.”
The Mavericks entered Friday’s contest with urgency as they were down 2-0 in the Western Conference semifinals. Chris Paul was a non-factor in the game committing seven turnovers -one shy from his playoff career-high- and dishing just four assists, while registering 12 points.
In contrast, Paul had 14 points only in the fourth quarter of the Suns’ blowout Game 2 victory. Booker finished Friday’s contest with 18 points and five turnovers. Both Phoenix superstars combined for 30 points in Game 3.
‘Energy, man,” Doncic told reporters on Dallas’ defensive effort, via NBA.com. ”The crowd gets you going. The energy and the execution were better. That’s what we’ve got to do every game.”
Mavericks were comfortably ahead while Doncic sat much of the second half in foul trouble. Doncic finished with 26 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Jalen Brunson—the Mavs’ playoff breakout star—bounce back with a 28-point performance in Game 3.
”I found a way to bounce back tonight,” Brunson said on his performance, via NBA.com. ”I just can’t be satisfied with this. Sunday’s going to be another brutal game. I have to bring the same energy, the same intensity, the same everything.”
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