The Dallas Mavericks take on the Phoenix Suns in Game 1. This game is part of the best-of-7 Western Conference semis. The Mavs face the defending Western Conference champion Suns, who produced the NBA’s best regular season record of 64-18.
Devin Booker (superstar) and Luka Docic (star) both missed three games, but both returned to lead their teams in the series. Dallas defeated the Utah Jazz in six games, to advance to the second round for the first-time since the 2011 NBA title. In six games, the Suns defeated the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Suns won the 2021-22 regular-season series 3-0. Doncic missed the first two meetings and they haven’t played since Jan. 30, 2018.
DeandreAyton, who is a different kind of challenge than Rudy Gobert (and Hassan Whiteside) are key players in their next matchup.
Jason Kidd, Mavericks coach said, “We need to adapt.” “Our game plan against Utah won’t work against Suns. We have already changed our mindset, because we are not playing the Jazz. … (Ayton & Company) can make you look bad in the paint. … This isn’t Whiteside or Gobert. These guys can put it in the basket.
Can Dallas beat the Suns on the road in Dallas? The Mavs have a chance thanks to Doncic’s brilliance, Jalen Brunson’s historic playoff run, and the team defense.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
ODDS ARE : Teams that win Game 1 of a best-of- seven series go on to win the series 75.6 percent of the time (439-142). Memphis and Dallas were both eliminated from the first round after losing Game 1 of their initial round series.
RECORDS: DALLAS MAVERICKS – PHOENIX SUNS – 0-0
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WHEN: Monday, 9 p.m. CT
LOCATION: Footprint Center (Phoenix, AZ)
TV/RADIO:TNT, BSSW (KEGL), 97.1 The Eagle
DALLAS INJURY RELEASE: Tim Hardaway Jr. (left-foot surgery) is out.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Jairaj – USA TODAY Sports
ODDS: The Mavs currently 5.5-point underdogs to Suns
NEXTGame 2 remains in the desert. The game will tip off on Wednesday at 9 p.m. CT.
QUOTABLE: Kidd plays in Phoenix
“Their fans get into the game and they’re into the game for the whole 48 minutes. Our experience in Utah should give us an idea of what a hostile environment can be. It will be loud. The fans in Phoenix definitely support their team, so we’ll be prepared for that, just like in Utah we were prepared for the noise.”