Phoenix 121, Dallas 118 (Suns lead series, 1-0)
When Dallas was up, 114-105, with just 3:43 to play, I’m sure they were feeling pretty good about their chances. But you can’t fall asleep on the Suns, who went on a 16-4 run to close the game, stealing a victory on the road. Steve Nash went on a 10-2 run to start the comeback, then threw a beautiful pass to Shawn Marion for a dunk that gave Phoenix the lead, 117-116, with 0:43 to play. During that span, Phoenix also benefited from a very questionable offensive foul call when Devin Harris was tagged for wiping Nash’s arm off his side as he drove to the hole. Looking at the replay, it should have been a no call or a foul on Nash as it was the Suns guard that first initiated contact on the play. Nevertheless, the Mavs were able to retake the lead, 118-117, with 0:04 to play on a Devin Harris jumper. But the resilient Suns struck back by throwing the ball into Boris Diaw, who caught the ball in the post and was able to score before time expired. Diaw, the league’s Most Improved Player, scored 34 points on 13-23 shooting, while also grabbing six rebounds. Nash had 27 points and a phenomenal 16 assists, while Shawn Marion scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the victory. Devin Harris and Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavs with 30 and 25 points, respectively, while Nowitzki also cleared 19 rebounds in the loss.
There were two key injuries that will have an impact on the series. Mavs forward Josh Howard turned his ankle – his prognosis won’t be known until a MRI is conducted. Suns guard Raja Bell strained his calf severely and his return to the series is in serious doubt. I still think the Mavs have the advantage in the series, but they need to find a way to close games out against the feisty Suns.
