NBA regular season featured a focal matchup between the Mavericks and the Suns! With both teams' cores, Doncic and Booker absent, the odds were even, and it was about who could establish their rhythm and which star would perform more aggressively to gain an advantage.
In the first half, the Mavericks led the Suns 55-39 with a 16-point lead. Both teams had the same number of three-pointers, seven each, but the difference was mainly in inside scoring, where the Mavericks had a higher shooting percentage and stronger offensive capabilities. In the third quarter, a conflict erupted, resulting in Nurkic being ejected for a 1-for-2 trade, along with Marshall and Washington. The two teams fought fiercely, with the Mavericks maintaining a double-digit lead. Although Durant is formidable, Beal was a liability, and Irving and Dinwiddie's three-pointers extended the lead to 18 points. The Suns did not collapse, and Durant continued to exert himself, as if playing against an entire team by himself. The Mavericks couldn't keep up, and their advantage was gradually eroded, leaving only an 8-point lead at the end of the third quarter.
In the final quarter, during Durant's absence, the Suns didn't falter. Although they didn't reduce the gap, they also didn't allow it to widen, holding on tightly. The Mavericks had good offense but average defense, failing to capitalize on Durant's absence, though they did waste four minutes. Upon Durant's return, O'Neal hit a three-pointer, followed by a Grimes answer ball. O'Neal's three-pointer didn't continue, and Gafford had a two-handed slam dunk. Plumlee made free throws, and Clay's pull-up jumper over Durant missed, while Beal made a passing error... quite an eyesore.
Clayber scored a buzzer-beating two-pointer, stole from Beal to create free throws, and the lead returned to 15 points. Beal was truly beyond words, having a completely negative impact. Even Durant wanted to swear, thinking, "What kind of giant teammate is this?" He can't even be traded, which is very frustrating. With only four minutes left, time is running out for the Suns. Beal nearly made another turnover, and in the end, it was still Durant scoring, but it was useless since his teammates weren't supportive. Only O'Neal was reliable; no one else could alleviate his pressure.
No miracles occurred, and Nurkic's extreme 1-for-2 trade failed, unable to help the Suns complete the comeback. The Mavericks secured the victory, avoiding consecutive losses, and solidified their fourth position in the West.