The Dallas Mavericks welcomed the Phoenix Suns to the American Airlines Center on Wednesday night, also Hardwood Classic Night. But the Mavericks fell to the Suns 123-114 in a Western Conference clash. Dallas dropped to 3-9, while Phoenix improved to 7-5.
In case you missed it, Dallas’ nightmare of Nico Harrison as General Manager and President of Basketball Operations is over. However, Harrison’s firing was inevitable. Now, the blame can be shifted to Head Coach Jason Kidd. Kidd, 52, has been suffering shortcomings and allegedly lacking in leadership in the locker room.
Cooper Flagg’s mother, former women’s basketball player Kelly Bowman Flagg, retweeted a message on X, formerly Twitter. However, Bowman Flagg confirmed that the retweet wasn’t about firing Harrison, 52, but how Flagg, 18, and company had nothing to do with the trade after fans chanted “Fire Nico!” whenever the Mavericks made free throws.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns Starters
Wednesday’s game offered an opportunity for both teams. Dallas wanted to beat the Phoenix Suns, while Phoenix searched for a second straight win at the American Airlines Center. The last time the two teams played each other, Phoenix won 125-116. Devin Booker led the Suns with 24 assists, along with 6 assists and 3 rebounds.
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Brandon Williams, Max Christie, Flagg, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (knee), Dante Exum (knee), and Anthony Davis (calf).
Phoenix’s starting lineup featured Booker, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, Royce O’Neale, and Mark Williams. Phoenix ruled out Dillon Brooks (groin).
Mavericks vs. Suns Recap
Wednesday’s game was described by some Dallas Mavericks fans as a rivalry matchup. The Mavericks’ matchups with the Suns tend to be high stakes, especially when Booker got into heated battles with then-Maverick Luka Doncic.
The first quarter was a high-scoring affair. Dallas shone in the first nine minutes, with plays such as Williams’ one-handed jam, but not in the last three minutes. Phoenix went on a 12-5 run to stay in control. Booker weaved through traffic for the and-1 bucket. Phoenix settled for a 30-28 lead at the end of the first.
The second quarter was exciting. Dallas opened the scoring, but Phoenix tied the game to take the lead. Jordan Goodwin recorded a season-high 13 points early on. Phoenix slowed down but went on a 10-2 run to re-take the lead. Washington sustained a left shoulder strain and didn’t return. Phoenix took a 63-53 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw a fast start from the road team. Phoenix went on an early 9-2 run. Booker got a shot in through contact. Dallas picked up the pace. Moussa Cisse got the off-the-ball offensive foul, and Flagg helped Cisse, 21, off the floor. Phoenix took a 95-80 lead through three quarters.
The fourth quarter saw a strong effort from the two teams. D’Angelo Russell found Klay Thompson, who hit the three-pointer. Collin Gillespie threw the ball to Booker, who found Nick Richards, who made a two-handed dunk. Dallas’ comeback was epic, despite the shortcomings, such as an unsuccessful out-of-bounds challenge. Phoenix won 123-114.
Final Thoughts
Dallas continues the homestand with a home game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on KFAA.
Phoenix returns home to open a two-game homestand starting with the Indiana Pacers on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Mountain. The game will be broadcast on FDSIN.
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