The Phoenix Suns looked a lot like the No. 1 overall seed as they made relatively easy work of the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, holding on for a 121-114 win in Game 1 of their second-round series. Game 2 is set for Wednesday night in Phoenix.
Just 14 seconds into the game, Chris Paul hit a mid-range jumper to give the Suns a lead they would never surrender. It took less than five minutes for them to push their advantage to double digits, which is where it would remain for most of the game. The Mavericks stayed competitive the entire way, and used a late fourth-quarter run to make the final score respectable, but it never seemed like they would actually win.
Deandre Ayton was terrific against the Mavericks’ small frontcourt, finishing with 25 points and eight rebounds on 12 of 19 from the field, while Devin Booker went for 23 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Cameron Johnson added 17 points off the bench as the Suns shot over 50 percent from the field for the game.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks, falling just short of a triple-double with 45 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. He either scored or assisted on 23 of the Mavericks’ 40 field goals. This was his sixth career 40-point playoff game
