The Dallas Mavericks started Thursday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns much the same as they’ve started too many games this year and fell behind quickly by ten but had tied the game by the second quarter and trailed at halftime only by 4.

Dallas took over in the 3^rd quarter behind O. J. Mayo and Chris Kaman and Shawn Marion and opened up a 13-point lead while the Suns went cold.

Behind balanced scoring led by O. J. Mayo and Brandan Wright, playing significant minutes for the first time in several games the Mavericks ran up an 81-71 lead with 5:40 left, but the turnovers bug bit again and helped the Suns go on a 16-6 run to tie the game.   The Mavs were able to add one more basket and Phoenix couldn’t respond, leading to the final outcome of 97-94.

The Mavs have generally been victorious when O. J. Mayo is on and he led the team with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to lead 5 players in double figures.  Brandan Wright returned to the lineup and scored 16 points on 8-of-12 shooting to go with 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocked shots.

Phoenix got a career night from Markief Morris who scored 15 points and grabbed 17 rebounds.  Luis Scola had 13 and 9 as Phoenix also had five players in double figures.

Chris Kaman and Shawn Marion both had excellent games before leaving with injuries.  Kaman sprained his ankle and Marion pulled his groin.  Both are considered minor and they will be listed as day-to-day.

The Mavericks improved to 9-10 while the Suns fell to 7-13 and have lost five in a row.

Full analysis and breakdown coming up on The Smoking Cuban.