The Dallas Mavericks secured a 123-113 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night, with Luka Doncic leading the charge with an impressive 41-point performance. Kyrie Irving also made a significant contribution with 29 points, helping the Mavericks extend their winning streak to seven games following the All-Star break.
This win was crucial for Dallas as they pulled even with the Suns in the standings, both teams now boasting a 33-23 record. The Mavericks also clinched the head-to-head tiebreaker with a 2-1 record against the Suns, positioning themselves favorably in the race for a guaranteed playoff spot.
Doncic showcased his versatility with 11 assists and nine rebounds, outshining Suns' All-Stars Devin Booker, who scored 35 points, and Kevin Durant, who managed 23 points on an average shooting night. The Suns, who had won five of their last six games before the break, faced a resilient Mavericks team determined to continue their winning streak.
The game marked the first visit of new majority owner Miriam Adelson, widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who recently finalized the ownership deal with Mark Cuban's Dallas Mavericks. Adelson's presence courtside added to the excitement of the matchup between two playoff contenders.
Irving, who missed the previous two meetings between the teams, made a significant impact by scoring 13 points in the first quarter and executing a remarkable behind-the-back dribble and spin move for a layup early in the fourth quarter, extending Dallas' lead.
The Mavericks dominated the second half, scoring the first 16 points and completing a 33-9 run that began after the Suns had taken a 54-43 lead in the second quarter. Tim Hardaway Jr. and P.J. Washington also contributed with 12 points each for Dallas, while Eric Gordon led the Suns with 16 points.
Looking ahead, the Suns will face the Houston Rockets on Friday night, while the Mavericks are set to take on the Indiana Pacers on Sunday in their next matchups.
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