The Phoenix Suns won Game 1, 121-114, behind an excellent effort from Deandre Ayton. How will Game 2 shake out for the Suns and the Dallas Mavericks? Check out our preview below of this Suns vs. Mavs 2022 NBA Playoffs matchup.
The Mavs have a lot of adjustments to make ahead of Game 2 after getting figuratively bloodied by Phoenix in Game 1. For the most part, the Mavs’ offense looked fine in the series opener, with Luka Doncic erupting for 45 points on 50 percent shooting while dishing out 8 assists and grabbing 12 rebounds. As a team, the Mavs shot 47.1 percent from the field and 41 percent from downtown, going 16/29 from long range. Defensively, however, it was a different story for the Mavs, who almost let Phoenix score at will, particularly inside. The Mavs had the best scoring defense back in the regular season in which they allowed just 104.5 points per game. This is a team that is definitely capable of making the right fixes in order on that end of the floor.
The Mavs are 6-2 against the spread in their last 8 games after scoring at least 100 poits in the previous outing.
The Suns were nearly unstoppable in Game 1. Deandre Ayton feasted in the Mavs’ weak rim protection on his way to scoring 25 points on 12/20 shooting. Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell just couldn’t put the clamps on Ayton, who should continue being a major asset for the Suns in this series, regardless of what lineup shuffling the Mavs will have going forward. For one, he remains surrounded by excellent playmakers. Devin Booker and Chris Paul will feed off each other’s abilities to bend the Mavs’ defense that allowed the Suns to shoot 50.5 percent from the field in the series opener – and that’s with Booker shooting just 7/20. Even with Booker having a salty night offensively, the Suns came away with a dominant victory. Booker can’t be that cold always, so just imagine how much terrifying the Suns would be for Dallas if he gets his rhythm again.
The Suns are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 Wednesday games.
