The Phoenix Suns edged out the Dallas Mavericks 114-113 in a thrilling matchup, with Jusuf Nurkic sealing the win by sinking a critical free throw with just 0.8 seconds remaining. This win brings Phoenix to an impressive 8-1 start, marking their best season opening since the 2009-10 campaign.
Kevin Durant led the Suns’ offense with 26 points, supported by Nurkic’s 15 points and 10 rebounds. Nurkic’s decisive rebound in the final moments and his clutch free throw ultimately lifted Phoenix to victory in their second close contest this season with Dallas.
The Suns outlasted the defending Western Conference champions, who fell to a 5-4 record despite strong performances from their star players.
Luka Doncic, who recorded 30 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds, was instrumental in keeping the game tight. After Nurkic’s putback dunk gave Phoenix a late lead, Dallas responded as Doncic assisted Daniel Gafford on an alley-oop dunk that tied the score at 113 with seconds left.
Royce O’Neale missed a potential game-winning shot, but Nurkic seized the offensive board and drew a foul in the closing seconds, which proved to be the game’s decisive moment.
Off the bench, O’Neale contributed 18 points for Phoenix, showcasing efficient shooting by hitting 7 of 8 shots, including four from deep.
Devin Booker also played a crucial role with 13 points and 12 assists, distributing the ball effectively in a game that saw Phoenix’s bench outscore Dallas’ reserves by a significant margin.
Dallas saw standout performances from both Kyrie Irving and Naji Marshall, who scored 29 and 18 points respectively.
Yet, the Mavericks faced challenges in the frontcourt, with Gafford battling foul trouble as his partner, Dereck Lively II, sat out due to a shoulder sprain. This forced Dallas to rely heavily on Dwight Powell, who clocked a season-high 25 minutes but was limited by five personal fouls.
The Suns’ defense was crucial late in the game, as they held Dallas to limited second-chance points, with Nurkic’s three offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter helping Phoenix maintain control.
