The Phoenix Suns have taken control of their second-round series against the Dallas Mavericks after an emphatic Game 5 win. Despite the Mavericks starting the game exceptionally well and looking to push on big leads, the Suns ensured they stayed in the game and had a three-point lead heading into the second half.
The third quarter was nightmarish for the Mavericks, as they had 12 turnovers to their paltry 14 points. The Suns outscored them by 19 points in the third quarter and realistically ended the game. The final score was 80-110 in the Suns’ favor, as they will look to go to Dallas in Game 6 and close the series out.
There’s no looking past the third quarter collapse by Dallas, as they were showing a lot of promise to start the quarter. Mavericks fans and NBA fans have all weighed in on this implosion and expressed their disappointment at watching such poor basketball being played.
NOT DONE YET! pic.twitter.com/iCYGos7i0z
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 11, 2022
That's the worst basketball we've seen from this Mavericks team during a single quarter in a long time.
— Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit) May 11, 2022
https://twitter.com/MindOfReese/status/1524245033792249856
Luka was just holding the basketball until the end of the shot clock and forcing it. Everyone is just standing around. You won’t beat Phoenix like this.
— Glen (@Glenjr1988) May 11, 2022
Kidd has to get a huge share of the blame. He can’t allow this squad to come out in the 2nd half looking like this
— LJNavaja (@beefcake_27) May 11, 2022
Mavs have resorted to playing like they’re already looking ahead to Game 6. Double-digit turnovers in one quarter is atrocious.
— Dalton Trigg (@dalton_trigg) May 11, 2022
Mavs let the crowd effect them on the road and at home.
— Bibs (@BibsCorner) May 11, 2022
https://twitter.com/chasngthedra8on/status/1524234899800346626
Booker so nice
— josh giddey (@joshgiddey) May 11, 2022
they lied for 2 years and said devin booker wasn’t the suns best player
— Jamal Cristopher (@JamCristopher) May 11, 2022
The Mavericks have limited offensive strategies due to their roster construction, but even that can’t be blamed. Outside Jalen Brunson, no Maverick rose to the challenge. While Doncic had more points than Brunson, he struggled to shoot for a second consecutive game. Doncic is 3-18 in three-point attempts in the last two games.
After the first quarter, the Suns cut out all open passing and ensured that the Mavs shooters can’t get the easy shots they got in the last two games. This was a massive hindrance to the style of basketball Dallas plays and how they get their success. Great individual coverage of Doncic also meant he had an inefficient night and couldn’t get his teammates going.
Dallas has been in great form at home and will hope they can stretch this to a Game 7 after the next game in their home arena.
