Mavericks Topple Shaky Suns to Force Game 7

In a win-or-go-home setting, the Mavericks were able to force a pivotal Game 7 back in Phoenix in what was a forgettable loss for the Suns.

Before tip-off at American Airlines Center, road teams in Game 6 were a smooth 5-0 in the NBA Playoffs, with the Phoenix Suns hoping to keep that record perfect. 

Now, if the Suns have any intentions of winning this series, they'll have to do it in seven games. 

The Dallas Mavericks, for lack of better terms, embarrassed Phoenix in Thursday night's meeting 113-86. 

It was a night where seemingly everybody on Phoenix's roster except Deandre Ayton looked to play winning basketball. Ayton finished with 21 points on 10-16 shooting and 11 rebounds.

Much like every other game, Luka Doncic powered Dallas with another strong performance despite exiting the game in the first half with an apparent issue around his knee. He missed roughly the first five minutes of the second quarter but nearly managed to finish the game with a triple double. He ended with 33/11/8 in 35 minutes.

As for the Suns' backcourt, the lethal combo of Chris Paul and Devin Booker was anything but productive during their time on the floor.

Paul, who has struggled since Game 3, again put on a forgettable performance despite scoring 13 points. He and Booker combined for 13 turnovers, with Booker responsible for eight.

After scoring eight points in the first quarter, Booker quickly went cold and failed to score a field goal until 3:07 left in the third. He finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and three assists.

For nearly the entire game, the Suns couldn't quite find their rhythm on either side of the court. Phoenix finished with 22 turnovers compared to Dallas' seven. The Mavericks scored 29 points off of those turnovers.

The Mavericks also sought to expose Phoenix's shooting by leaning into post and forcing the Suns to get creative outside of the paint. 

As a result, the Suns became frustrated with their lack of clean looks and overall inability to hit shots to keep up with Dallas. 

Defensively, Phoenix was again spread out by the Mavericks' game plan to open the floor and get big men such as Ayton and Jae Crowder away from the basket. Dallas utilized multiple screens to get favorable matchups (Ayton/Paul on Doncic on the perimeter in example) and abused the Suns from start to finish thanks to little off-ball help. 

Dallas thrived on the fastbreak, outscoring the Suns 21-8 in that category. 

It was a forgettable night for the Suns, who quickly look to correct their mistakes with two days off. 

Each home team has won in this series, and Phoenix hopes to continue that trend in a winner-take-all final meeting. 

Game 7 will take place on Sunday, May 15 with the time TBA.