Devin Booker dropped 46 points as the Phoenix Suns (26-18) dominated the Dallas Mavericks (24-20) with a comfortable 132-109 victory.
The matchup between the Suns and Mavericks, known for its intensity, saw seven technical fouls, adding to the history of chippy encounters between the two teams.
Missing Kyrie Irving due to a right thumb sprain, the Mavericks couldn’t contain Booker’s scoring onslaught, and the Suns capitalized on a 43-20 third-quarter outburst to turn a 16-point deficit into a commanding 22-point lead.
Luka Doncic scored team-high 34 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out nine assists. However, the Suns had a well-rounded contribution, with Bradley Beal contributing 20 points and Grayson Allen adding 15.
The contentious atmosphere started early with a triple-technical, involving players who weren’t part of the previous heated matchups, except for Doncic.
Kevin Durant, still adjusting to the dynamics of the rivalry, posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, contributing to the Suns’ seventh consecutive victory, matching their longest winning streak of the season.
