LThe Mavericks played their second game in a row without Luka Doncic and both have lost them. The two were against the Suns, to whom it is no surprise to fall. They are the reigning runners-up in the NBA and currently the league’s longest-running team, with 11 consecutive victories that leave them with a 12-3 record. Only they hold the Warriors train. Dallas, as in the previous duel, showed his face, but ended up succumbing 112-104.
Chris Paul led the Phoenix team with another certified masterclass in 18 points and 14 rebounds. But the Suns’ was a choral triumph, with Deandre Ayton grabbing the rebound (17) and Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges putting the toe. Both finished with 19 points and the second was achieved without missing a single field goal (7/7).
Without Doncic, who suffers sprained knee and left ankle, the best of the Mavericks was Kristaps Porzingis, who finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Both Jalen Brunson and Tim Hardaway Jr. added 18 points.
The Mavericks dreamed of victory until the end of the third quarter. They went on to win 68-74 and ended that period with a hopeful 79-84. However, they fell apart at the beginning of the last act, receiving a partial of 24-6 that put the game very uphill (103-90). The comeback attempts were unsuccessful.
Dallas still has to wait for Doncic, for whom a recovery period has not been given. In principle, the injury is not serious. The Mavericks now face two straight games in Los Angeles against the Clippers, with whom they already have a rivalry.