The Phoenix Suns lived up to their “Rally the Valley” mantra on Wednesday evening, as they took down the Dallas Mavericks in a spectacular 22-point run.
What makes even the season opener much sweeter for the Suns is the fact that they perhaps minimally avenged their last postseason collapse against the Mavericks.
In Game 7 of their hard-fought West Semis encounter, Phoenix had a meltdown in front of the stunned Footprint Center arena crowd, losing to Dallas in an embattled 33-point showing. This event sets up a nightmarish offseason that featured owner Robert Sarver scandal, contract extension issue of Deandre Ayton, and Jae Crowder trade request.
For franchise foundation Devin Booker, this victory can only be prioritized due to what happened from the past.
If you get your asses kicked, you want to get your get-back,” Booker said, contextualizing the Suns’ crumbling against the Mavs last season (h/t ESPN’s Tim MacMahon). “That’s just life.
“We still have 81 games to go. I said that before the game. It’s a good start. I think it’s a good start to show our team if we’re down early that we can come back in games.”
Behind the late-game spark of Damion Lee, who unexpectedly turned into a hero for the Suns after dropping 11 points down the stretch, the franchise grabbed their first win of the season.
They’ll strive to extend their winning momentum as they face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
