SUNS VS. MAVERICKS

Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns NBA Western Conference playoff semifinals, Game 2

When:

Wednesday, 7 p.m., Footprint Center

TV/Radio: TNT/Phoenix’s KMVP 98.7 FM

Storyline: The Suns came out scorching hot in their 121-114 victory at home in the West semifinals series opener, and never trailed the Mavericks.

Phoenix came out in full force, seemingly rejuvenated from a three-day rest following their first round seriesclinching Game 6 win over New Orleans. The Suns shot 63.6% on their field goals, including 50% from the deep, the latter category in which the Suns didn’t shoot well in the first round against the Pelicans (31.9%).

All five Suns starters scored in double figures. That includes Deandre Ayton’s team-best 25 points and eight rebounds, Devin Booker’s 23 points with team-highs nine rebounds and eight assists in his second game back from his hamstring injury, Chris Paul’s 19 points, and Sixth Man of the Year finalist Cameron Johnson who chipped in 17 points.

Dallas’ young stud Luka Doncic was the Suns’ biggest problem, which they’ll need to focus on containing for the second game. He scored 45 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, all game-highs. Doncic didn’t get much help from his supporting cast besides 3-point gunning big Maxi Kleber (19 points on 6-of-9 shooting, 5-of-8 from the 3), as he outscored the Mavericks four other starters who combined for 39 points.

Key matchup

Jae Crowder and Mavericks’ Dorian Finney-Smith have different styles but both are solid rebounders and defenders who can take away each other’s strength.

Crowder is known for hovering around the 3-point line and had his best shooting performance this postseason in Game 1. He scored all 11 of his points in the first half on 4-of-5 FG, 3-of-4 from the perimeter, which was integral to the Suns’ fast start. Finney-Smith didn’t get into his scoring rhythm in the second half (15 total points) after scoring just two in the first. Finney favors the inside, which Crowder is a known for his 6-foot-6, 235-pound frame to stonewall players off the block and alter shots. It will be crucial for Dallas if Finney-Smith can help deter Crowder from having another stellar start in Game 2’s first half, and for the Suns to hold a lategame lead if Crowder can stop the Mavs’ top forward from a solid finish.