The Mavericks and Suns clashed in a decisive showdown as Dallas aimed to close out the series in a clean, authoritative fashion. Luka Doncic took charge for the Mavericks, delivering a standout performance that swung the game in their favor with a clear, comprehensive victory that kept Dallas on track for a Sunday finale. Doncic erupted for 33 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals, drawing strong support from teammates. Reggie Bullock added 19 points with a trio of three-pointers and seven rebounds, while Jalen Brunson contributed 18 points and Spencer Dinwiddie tallied 15. The combined effort produced 16 made three-pointers for the Mavericks, underscoring their lethal perimeter attack.
Facing the Mavericks at their best, the Suns endured a difficult night in Dallas. Dallas forced 22 turnovers, converting them into 29 points, and held Phoenix to just six made three-pointers. Deandre Ayton was the Suns’ top performer with 21 points and 11 rebounds, but Devin Booker managed only 19 points with eight turnovers, and Chris Paul recorded 13 points with five turnovers. Phoenix’s efforts were hampered by costly mistakes, and their performance left a lingering sense of frustration. The Suns have historically struggled against Dallas, including a notable Finals setback against Milwaukee in 2021, and the pressures of the moment raised concerns about their late-game resilience. Still, they held the advantage of home-court for Game 7, keeping hope alive.
Doncic starts strong, Doncic’s phrases
Doncic endured a rocky start, missing his first three attempts, yet the opening sequence quickly took on a new rhythm as Dallas grabbed the lead late in the first. The Slovenian star pushed Dallas ahead with decisive plays and timely baskets, lifting the team to an 28-25 edge after an opening quarter defined by confident three-pointers and a fearless step-back that challenged Paul. In those first 12 minutes, Paul didn’t score, grab a rebound, or assist; his only stat was a turnover, a sign of Dallas’ disruptive defense.
Brunson’s steady handling of Doncic’s minutes off the bench had been a recurring theme, and it continued to provide the Mavericks with versatility. Phoenix stayed within reach for much of the period, but turnovers and Dallas’s defense limited the Suns’ offensive flow. The first half closed on a strong note for Dallas, who surged to a 19-6 run to end the frame and take a 60-45 lead into halftime. Doncic led all scorers with 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Brunson, Bullock, Kleber, and Dinwiddie supplied important support. Phoenix, by contrast, struggled to generate consistent offense, with Booker held scoreless in the second quarter and Paul managing only five points and two assists before the break.
After the intermission, Dallas confronted the challenge of a potential slip, much like in a previous setback they faced in a different game. Yet this night carried a different tone. The Mavericks extended their advantage early in the third, with Doncic creating separation through a sequence of plays that included a quick burst of points and clean execution. Phoenix entered the period with a sense of urgency, but Dallas maintained momentum, constructing a sizable gap that left the Suns needing a miracle to close the gap. The energy from Brunson and Powell, combined with the steady scoring from Doncic, helped Dallas extend the lead to 20 points by late in the third—68-48—before the final stanza.
Phoenix continued to search for offensive rhythm, facing a stingy Dallas defense that limited their options and forced more errors. Despite a couple of late-dagger dunks from Doncic, the night belonged to the Mavericks, who controlled tempo and execution from start to finish. The Suns’ battle-tested resilience was not enough to overturn the deficit, and Dallas carried a commanding advantage into the fourth quarter, where the game remained firmly in their grasp at 94-72.
The mood in the arena reflected a clear preference for the home team, as Dallas sealed a confident victory that set up a Sunday finale. Doncic and his teammates played with poise and precision, while the Suns faced a sobering reality in a must-win game, needing deeper production from their star players and sharper decisions on both ends of the floor. As the series moves toward its conclusion, Dallas enters the final with momentum, and Phoenix must regroup quickly if a dramatic turnaround is to be found.