The Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to seven games after a dramatic 114-113 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. The game was decided in the final second when Jusuf Nurkic made a crucial free throw. Despite a 30-point effort from Luka Dončić, the Suns’ ability to perform under pressure secured them another close win, improving their season record to an impressive 8-1.
A Down-to-the-Wire Finish
The final moments of the game were filled with tension. With just 0.8 seconds left, Jusuf Nurkic stood at the free-throw line with the score tied. After missing the first shot, he calmly sank the second, giving Phoenix the one-point lead that would ultimately decide the contest.
Dallas had one last chance, but Luka Dončić’s 38-foot desperation shot at the buzzer was just off the mark. The miss sealed the victory for the Suns and handed the Mavericks a heartbreaking loss.
This victory continues a remarkable trend for Phoenix, as they remain undefeated in games decided by four points or less this season. Their 5-0 record in these clutch situations highlights the team’s mental toughness and ability to execute when it matters most.
Suns’ Stars and Bench Step Up
While injuries and illness posed a challenge, the Suns’ roster showed its depth and resilience. Kevin Durant led all Phoenix scorers with 26 points, providing a steady offensive presence throughout the night.
The surprise of the evening was Royce O’Neale, who delivered a massive performance off the bench. He scored 18 points and was a perfect 4-of-4 from three-point range, giving the team a much-needed boost.
Even though he was playing through an illness, Devin Booker made his impact felt as a playmaker, dishing out a game-high 12 assists to go with his 13 points. Bradley Beal also overcame a slow shooting night to hit a pivotal three-pointer in the fourth quarter. The contributions from every starter and key bench players were crucial in the one-point win.
| Phoenix Suns Key Contributors | Points | Assists | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | 26 | 5 | Led the team in scoring. |
| Royce O’Neale | 18 | 3 | Perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range. |
| Devin Booker | 13 | 12 | Led the game in assists while playing sick. |
Mavericks’ Depth Issues Exposed
For the Mavericks, the star duo of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving delivered strong performances, scoring 30 and 29 points, respectively. All five Dallas starters reached double figures, but their efforts were not enough to overcome a significant weakness.
The Mavericks’ lack of bench production was a glaring issue, as their reserves contributed a total of just nine points. In stark contrast, the Suns’ bench, led by O’Neale, put up 28 points. This 19-point difference was a deciding factor in a game that came down to a single possession.
Dallas was also hampered by injuries to several key rotation players, which limited their options. The team was without:
- Dante Exum
- Maxi Kleber
- Dereck Lively
These absences strained the Mavericks’ depth and forced their starters to carry an even heavier load, which proved unsustainable against a deep Suns team.
Coaching and Defensive Identity Make the Difference
Beyond the individual heroics, the Suns’ victory was a testament to smart coaching and a growing defensive identity. Coach Mike Budenholzer made several key decisions that paid off, including designing a successful play out of a timeout that led to Bradley Beal’s clutch three-pointer in the fourth quarter.
His strategic substitutions were also vital. In the final possession, Budenholzer put Grayson Allen, a strong defender, into the game despite his offensive struggles. The move worked, as the Mavericks were unable to get a clean look at the basket.
Defensively, the Suns forced 11 turnovers and converted them into 15 points. This ability to create points from their defense has become a hallmark of the team during their seven-game win streak. It demonstrates that Phoenix is building a well-rounded identity that goes beyond just its high-powered offense.
