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Photo via Suns Twitter
By: Greg
This series is taking me back to the Steve Nash vs. Dirk Nowitzki era. Something about these two franchises being good at the same time just feels right. The Mavs (if Luka is truly healthy) seem to have a bit more substance to them than in their prior playoff flameouts. Jalen Brunson’s development and the add of Spencer Dinwiddie gives them some additional shotmakers to take the burden off Doncic alone. But the Suns are the defending Western Conference champs for a reason, even though something seems a bit off with them at the moment. I blame Phoenix for making last series with the Pelicans more interesting than it should have been. But I’ll bank on Jae Crowder remembering how to make an open shot and Chris Paul’s brilliance to remain the most important factor in what should be a fun, competitive series.
Suns in 6.
By: Zeke
After weeks of postseason basketball, we now have a highly anticipated matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns. Dallas may have the best player in Luka Doncic in this series and a surging Jalen Brunson to back him up, but I don’t think it’ll be enough. The Suns not only have been undefeated against them this season, but have been on a 9 game winning streak against the Mavs since Jan 28, 2020. However, Devin Booker’s hamstring injury will be something that could throw a monkey wrench in this series. That being said,
I have the Suns in 7.
By: Maxwell
Congrats the Dallas Mavericks for winning their first playoff series since the 2011 NBA Finals. The Utah Jazz have become a laughing stock during the Donovan Mitchell-RudyGobert era, but gave the Mavericks a tough 6 game series until the final whistle. I think that says a lot about Dallas. With Luka, anything is possible against flawed teams like the Jazz, Pelicans, Timberwolves, or even Memphis. However, the fact that the Mavs had to scratch and claw against Utah to barely win this series in 6 games, convinces me they aren’t ready to compete with the top teams in the conference yet.
Suns in 6.
By: Tariq
The Suns have been on a mission all year to get back to the finals, running through everyone en route to a 60 win season. They struggled more than most people believed they would in the first round against the Pelicans. The Mavs showed that they have a pulse without Luka, winning two games without him, including one on the road. They have relied so heavily on Luka in the playoffs that he eventually wears down by the fourth quarter. Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie can help shoulder the load. Devin Booker’s health is the biggest factor in this series. If he isn’t healthy, I don’t think they will make it out of this series. Chris Paul’s playoff history of injuries is a concern as well. With that being said, Phoenix has been the best team all season, and if healthy, I can’t see them losing before the Western Conference Finals. Luka will have some more heroics in his bag though.
Suns in 7.
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