PHOENIX SUNS (34-9) at DALLAS MAVERICKS (26-19)
Time: 6:30 p.m., Thursday.
Place: American Airlines Center, Dallas.
TV: TNT.
Radio: The Eagle 97.1 FM; Univision Zona MX 99.1 FM (Spanish)
About the Suns: They have been hanging around Texas for the last couple days since thrashing the Spurs in San Antonio 121-107 on Monday . . . That victory was the fourth of a five-game trip for the Suns, who are 4-0 on the journey . . . In the win at San Antonio, Devin Booker had 48 points and the Suns were dominant late, winning the fourth quarter 34-16. They also got a huge night from journeyman Bismack Biyombo, who had 17 points and 14 rebounds off the bench. Biyombo was signed to a 10-day contract earlier this month, but earned a permanent deal largely because the Suns have been shy on big men with Frank Kaminsky (knee) out and starting center Deandre Ayton battling assorted injuries . . . They’ve had the best record in the NBA for much of the season, thanks largely to the health and production of veteran point guard Chris Paul, who has played every game and averages 13.9 points and 10 assists . . . But this is no one-trick pony of a team. The Suns are strong at both ends of the court. They lead the NBA in shooting (47.6 percent) but also are second in field-goal percentage defense (43.6 percent). They are second overall in defensive rating. In other words, they score it well and stop the other team from scoring it well . . . Phoenix is a popular landing spot for former Mavericks. Jae Crowder starts for the Suns, JaVale McGee and Cameron Payne are key bench players. They also had Justin Jackson for a 10-day contract, which has expired.
About the Mavericks: The Mavericks have been sizzling, winning 10 of their last 11 games, including four in a row . . . However, no team has been tougher on the Mavericks lately than the Suns, who have won eight consecutive meetings, including the last three at AAC . . . The Mavericks lost the first two games this season in Phoenix, by seven and eight points. But it’s worth noting that Luka Dončić did not play in either of those games as he was out with an ankle issue . . . Speaking of which, the superstar point guard is coming off one of his most dominant performances of the season, having dumped a season-best 41 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists on the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night. The Mavericks are 19-8 when he scores 20 or more points this season. Since returning from injury/COVID-19 protocols, he is averaging 23.9 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game . . . After making home dominance a priority back at the start of the season, they finally are starting to look the part. They have won six in a row at home and haven’t lost at AAC since before Christmas. Their overall home record has improved to 14-8 . . . This five-game home stand finishes Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies before they hit the road at Golden State. That means these next three games are against the teams with the best records in the NBA.
Twitter: @ESefko
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