Kyrie Irving led the Dallas Mavericks with 20 points as they secured a 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Suns, marking a strong performance in their first game without superstar Luka Dončić, who is sidelined with a calf strain. The Mavericks demonstrated a balanced scoring approach, with five players reaching double digits, and they maintained control throughout the game, never trailing and building a lead as large as 18 points.
The Suns struggled offensively, particularly in the second quarter, where they managed only 14 points. Kevin Durant was the standout for Phoenix, scoring a game-high 35 points, while Bradley Beal had a challenging night with just 11 points on poor shooting. The game also featured a notable incident in the third quarter that led to the ejections of Jusuf Nurkić, Naji Marshall, and PJ Washington after a physical confrontation.
With this win, the Mavericks improved to 20-11, positioning themselves fourth in the Western Conference. Despite the absence of Dončić, the team has shown resilience, boasting a 7-2 record without him this season. Fans expressed their excitement over the team's grit and ability to win tough games, highlighting the depth and improvements made to the roster. The Mavericks are set to face the Portland Trail Blazers next, looking to continue their momentum.
