PHOENIX, AZ – The Dallas Mavericks defeat the Phoenix Suns in Game Seven 123-90 in the Western Semi Finals and are heading to the Western Conference Finals for the third time since 2006.
The Mavs started off the night hot and never cooled down as they blew out Phoenix the entire game. Dallas had a 27-17 lead at the end of the first quarter and it just got uglier and uglier for the Suns.
Spencer Dinwiddie had a phenomenal game for the Mavs ending the night with 30 points and three rebounds. He was a key reason the Mavs took a 57-27 lead into the half. He made a change in this game very early and it did not go unnoticed.
“You step into that second role in the first half and help Luka when he needs help.” Dinwiddie on his great first half performance.
Dinwiddie told the media when he’s hot he becomes the second man and he helps out Luka when need be. Then when Brunson starts to heat up he lets Brunson be the second man and he reads the floor to see when and where he can be a help to those two guys.
Dallas took a 30 point lead into the half and the Mavs held Phoenix to just 27 points in the entire first half. Luka Doncic himself had 27 points in the first half.
The media asked Doncic if he knew he had the same amount of points in the first half as the Suns and Doncic said, “Yes, of course I knew.” With a huge smile on his face.
Chris Paul had one point going into the half and Devin Booker had two points. Both players didn’t even score in the first quarter and they combined for 0-7 from the floor.
Dallas did not turn down the heat entering the third quarter. They maintained their 30 point lead and at one point were out scoring the Suns by 40 points in a 72-32 lead.
Phoenix didn’t hit 50 points until the end of the third quarter.
This Mavs defense was just on fire tonight and they didn’t back down one bit. They held Phoenix to 37 percent shooting from the floor and 35 percent from the three-point line. The Mavs only gave up 12 three-pointers to the Suns and held Chris Paul to 10 points and Devin Booker to 11 points.
“We definitely believed we could win the game but I didn’t think we would win by 30 points.” Dinwiddie on the blowout win in the Valley.
Coach Jason Kidd was extremely impressed with how his team played tonight and had some kind words about Luka’s stellar 35 point game.
“He’s Luka. He loves the stage. As the stage gets bigger he gets better.” J Kidd said that his team will enjoy this win today but they will then close this chapter tomorrow and get ready for the Western Conference Finals against the Warriors.
Dallas will head to San Francisco to take on the Golden State Warriors for Games 1 and 2 on May 18 and 20. Dallas will then fly home and host Game 3 and 4 in American Airlines Center on May 22 and 24.
KEY PLAYERS:
Luka Doncic led with 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Spencer Dinwiddie had 30 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Jalen Brunson had 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
