DALLAS, TEXAS — Friday night’s game marks the end of a five-game homestand for the Dallas Mavericks, who hold a 4-2 record at American Airlines Center. As they prepare to face the Phoenix Suns (7-1), the Mavericks’ game plan focuses on “making it tough” for Suns’ 14-time All-Star, Kevin Durant. Head Coach Jason Kidd remarked after Wednesday night’s win that Dallas has been “fighting to get that rhythm,” aiming to build on recent momentum.
While Luka Dončić acknowledged the team is still “figuring out who they are,” they’ll be facing the Suns without PJ Washington due to injury, making it even more challenging. However, if the Mavericks can maintain their defensive energy—highlighted by 38 defensive rebounds on Wednesday—they have a chance to control the game’s pace and disrupt Phoenix’s high-powered offense.
In their last matchup on October 26, the Suns took a 114-102 victory, despite Luka’s impressive 40-point performance. Dallas will look to bring more consistency Friday night and leverage the home-court advantage to continue their rhythm-building journey.
