Doncic’s extraordinary performance included 14 assists and showcased his scoring prowess, hitting 8 of 16 from beyond the arc and making all 12 of his free throws. The young star achieved the 10,000 career points mark in the first quarter, achieving the milestone in just 358 career games, ranking as the seventh-fastest in NBA history.

 

Dereck Lively II, returning from a four-game absence due to an ankle sprain, contributed significantly with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 18 points, extending Dallas’ winning streak to nine games, despite missing Kyrie Irving due to a heel injury.

 

Chimezie Metu and Grayson Allen played crucial roles off the bench for the Suns, with Allen scoring 32 points, including 19 in the third quarter. Metu posted an impressive double-double with 23 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, filling the void left by Jusuf Nurkic’s absence for personal reasons.

 

Phoenix, looking to rally from a 15-point deficit, was outpaced by Dallas, who initiated a decisive 17-4 run in the fourth quarter. The win marked the Suns’ ninth loss in 12 games.

Doncic, coming off a 39-point triple-double in the previous game against San Antonio, displayed early dominance in the desert. The Mavericks star orchestrated a 17-point first quarter, setting the tone for his team. The game featured notable moments, including a spectacular alley-oop to Derrick Jones Jr. and a crucial 3-pointer by Doncic in the second quarter.

 

Despite a spirited effort by the Suns in the third quarter, Dallas maintained control, eventually sealing the victory with a late surge. The game had its moments of intensity, including a late-third-quarter altercation between Grant Williams of Dallas and Devin Booker of the Suns.