NBA: Luka Doncic scores 41 vs. Suns, Mavs win 7th straight

Feb 24, 2024

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PHOENIX, Arizona – Luka Doncic scored a game-high 41 points to help lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 123-113 victory over the visiting Phoenix Suns on Thursday.

The game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns showcased a spectacular display of individual performances and momentum swings. Luka Doncic proved to be the star for Dallas, contributing six crucial 3-pointers along with 11 assists and nine rebounds. Kyrie Irving added 29 points to the Mavericks’ tally, propelling them to their seventh consecutive victory. P.J. Washington and Tim Hardaway Jr. also played pivotal roles, notching 12 points each to secure the win.

On the opposing side, Devin Booker led the Phoenix Suns with an impressive 35-point performance, while Kevin Durant contributed 23 points. Eric Gordon added 16 points, but despite their efforts, the Suns saw their modest two-game winning streak snapped. However, they have still managed to secure victories in 14 of their last 19 games.

The first half was a closely contested affair, with Phoenix holding a narrow 63-60 lead. However, the Mavericks came out firing in the second half, opening with a stunning 16-0 run that included five 3-pointers. Luka Doncic, in particular, showcased his scoring prowess, hitting three triples in the final three minutes of the third quarter. The barrage of 3-pointers forced Phoenix to call two timeouts in an attempt to regroup.

Despite Dallas’ dominance, the Suns mounted a resilient comeback. With 5:03 remaining in the first, the Mavericks’ lead was reduced to 81-80 as the Suns orchestrated a 17-5 run. Devin Booker played a pivotal role in the resurgence, contributing three consecutive baskets that brought the Suns back into contention.

The game not only highlighted the individual brilliance of players like Doncic, Irving, and Booker but also showcased the competitive spirit of both teams. Dallas ultimately managed to secure the win, extending their winning streak, but not without a valiant effort from the Suns in the latter part of the game. The back-and-forth nature of the contest provided fans with an entertaining and memorable basketball spectacle.

The game reached a pivotal moment with 34 seconds left in the third quarter. The Mavericks, holding a lead of 96-88, seemed to have control, but Nassir Little’s clutch 3-pointer for the Suns narrowed the deficit to just five points as they entered the crucial final quarter.

Dallas, however, wasn’t done making waves. Another explosive offensive surge, highlighted by Maxi Kleber’s basket with 8:29 remaining, propelled the Mavericks to a commanding 109-96 lead. Despite efforts from the Suns, including baskets by Gordon and Booker cutting the lead to eight at the 7:37 mark, they found themselves facing a double-digit deficit for the remainder of the game.

The first quarter witnessed a back-and-forth battle, with Okogie’s slam putting the Suns ahead 29–19 at the 3:12 mark. Yet, Dallas rallied, and with just 28 seconds remaining, Irving’s three-pointer gave them a narrow 32–31 lead, marking their only lead of the half.

The second quarter saw the Suns going on an impressive 21-11 run, establishing a comfortable 54-43 lead with 5:32 remaining. Nevertheless, Dallas fought back, reducing the Suns’ advantage to 63-60 by halftime, with Luka Doncic’s jumper contributing to closing the gap.

At the half, Devin Booker led the Suns with 16 points, while Doncic topped all scorers with 21. The game ultimately ended with Dallas securing a victory over Phoenix in the season series, marking the first time since the 2015–16 season. The match showcased intense momentum swings and standout performances, making it a memorable contest for both teams and their fans.

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