Kevin Durant scores 31, leading the Suns past the Mavericks 114-102

PHOENIX (AZFamily/AP) - Kevin Durant scored 31 points, Jusuf Nurkic added 18 points and 14 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns beat the Dallas Mavericks 114-102 on Saturday night.

The Suns never trailed after the first quarter, though the Mavericks kept the deficit in the single digits for much of the night. Luka Doncic scored 40 points and grabbed ten rebounds, while Kyrie Irving added 22 points.

The Suns led 91-80 in the fourth quarter and extended the lead to 105-90 six minutes later. Devin Booker added 21 points, while rookie Ryan Dunn scored 13 in his first career start. Tyus Jones added seven assists.

The Suns led by as many as 13 in the first half but settled for a 63-55 lead at the break.

Fans Arizona’s Family talked with believe the Suns will make the playoffs this year.

They’re confident the addition of Coach Bud and his leadership will strengthen the team.

Fans are also excited about the addition of Tyus Jones to the squad. They hope it will free up Booker and KD so they can do their thing.

“I think that it’s actually going to be a very good season. I think we added more depth to the roster. I think that we’re gonna keep expanding on that and come together as a team. I think we’re going to make it to the finals this year,” said Isaiah Ortiz.

Arizona’s Family asked fans how many games they think the Suns are going to win this season. Their consensus was about the mid 50’s.

“Honestly, I think this is going to be the one. 2025, I can see it. Like I already see the banner,” said Ivan Villalobos.

Villalobos added that the team was still figuring out all the pieces last season. Now, it’s expected those pieces will fall into place and hopefully get the team their first championship trophy.

“I feel like if they can lock up on the D and then prevail on the 4th quarter, then they can make the playoffs,” said another Suns fan.

Takeaways

Mavericks: Doncic started hot with 23 points in the first half but cooled off after halftime. He shot 12 of 25 from the field, including 5 of 13 from 3-point range. Klay Thompson had 19 points, making five 3-pointers.

Suns: Phoenix bounced back after blowing a 22-point lead against the Lakers on Friday night. Guards Bradley Beal (elbow) and Grayson Allen (personal) didn’t play. Dunn played well in his first career start, and it looks like he could have been a steal with the No. 28 pick.

Key moment

Dunn and Durant made back-to-back 3-pointers with about seven minutes left, extending the Suns' lead to 102-90. On the next possession, Durant made a layup while being fouled, converting the free throw to push the advantage to 105-90. The 9-0 run turned a tight game into a fairly comfortable win.

Key stat

The Mavericks shot 39.8% from the field, and the bench scored just nine points.

Up next

The Suns play the Lakers for the second time in four days, hosting them on Monday night. The Mavs return home to host the Jazz on Monday night.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.