3 takeaways from Dallas Mavericks Game 3 playoff win over Suns

The Dallas Mavericks fell behind early in Game 3, but they quickly grabbed the lead and controlled the rest of the contest for a 103-94 win over the Phoenix Suns. After losing two in Phoenix, the Mavs were facing a must-win as the series shifted back to Dallas, and they responded on Friday night.

Superstar Luka Doncic scored 80 points in the first two games combined, but the Mavericks did not give him enough help. That was far from the issue in Game 3 as Dallas dominated to get back into the series. They had five players score 14 or more points on their way to a win.

Fans saw a different game on Friday night. The Mavericks upped their defensive intensity, and they forced a ton of switches on offense to handle Phoenix. The Suns still hold a 2-1 edge in the series, but it feels like Dallas figured some things out ahead of Game 3.

3 takeaways from Dallas Mavericks Game 3 playoff win over Suns

Mavs head coach Jason Kidd made the right adjustments for Game 3. He had Frank Ntilikina replace Josh Green in the rotation, increased the team’s aggressiveness without fouling, and got Luka some help on Friday night. It was an impressive performance by the Mavericks against the best team in the league.

Luka dealt with foul trouble in the third and fourth quarters, which set up the Suns to make a run. Phoenix likely would have lost by more if Doncic had not picked up some ticky-tacky fouls in the second half. 

It was just one victory, but here is a look at three takeaways that could play a role moving forward in this series for the Dallas Mavericks as they look to knock off the top-seeded Suns. .

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks Game 3 playoff win over Suns: 3. Defense comes alive

The Mavs knocked out the Utah Jazz in the first round in part because of their defense. Dallas held the team with the best offensive rating during the regular season under 101 points in four of the six games. They were connected on that end of the floor, and it showed on the court.

The Suns produced some unsustainably hot shooting in the first two games, but their efficiency fell back to earth as the series shifted to Dallas. They shot just 44.0 percent from the field, and only mustered 94 points in Game 3. It was the first time in the series Phoenix shot under 50 percent from the field as the Mavericks' defense stepped up to grab the win.

The Mavs also made life difficult for Chris Paul for the first time in this series. He had six first-half turnovers and three fouls as Dallas picked up full court and sent double teams to help their rotations. CP3 could not get back on track as the Mavs got back into the series.

It was not a moment too soon as the Suns are one of the most difficult matchups in the NBA. Dallas won a game on their home floor, and they will be facing another must-win on Sunday afternoon.

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks Game 3 playoff win over Suns: 2. JB keys the win

Jalen Brunson struggled in each of the first two games in this series. He could not find his shot and the 6’1 guard dealt with foul trouble both times. JB never got his rhythm, which killed the Mavs chances to win as they need a second scorer behind Luka Doncic.

Brunson avoided foul trouble on Friday night, and he got going early with ten points in the opening quarter. It was just what the doctor ordered to get him back on track. See one of his early buckets below.

Jalen Brunson led the Mavericks in scoring in Game 3 as he went for 28 points on ten of 21 shooting from the field. The 6’1 guard chipped in four rebounds, five assists, and one steal as he helped Dallas grab the win.

It took a total team effort to get past the Suns on Friday night. Reggie Bullock went for 15 with Reggie Bullock and Maxi Kleber each scoring 14. They needed contributions from everyone, and the Dallas Mavericks got them in Game 3.

There was nothing unsustainable about the Mavs win. The Suns will not shoot that poorly moving forward, but Dallas played outstanding defense and all nine players contributed to the victory.

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks Game 3 playoff win over Suns: 1. Luka can always lead to W

Luka Doncic had scored 80 points combined in the first two games of the series, but the Mavs lost both. They need him to give up the ball a bit more, so he has the energy to defend when the Suns got him in the pick and roll action. The Mavericks found the balance in Game 3 as they earned a dominant victory.

Doncic produced the highlight of the contest in the first quarter when he dished out an assist while sitting on the court. Yes, you read that correctly. See the incredible play below.

Luka did not have his jumper in Game 3, but it did not matter. He got to the rim and finished inside on his way to 26 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, and two steals. Doncic made 11 of his 25 field goals, including two 3-pointers as he played just 34 minutes because of foul trouble.

Doncic played well on the defensive end too as the Mavericks outscored the Suns by 20 with their superstar on the floor. It was just what Dallas needed to get back into the series.

The Dallas Mavericks host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon for Game 4. Can they even the series? It will take another total team effort to knock off the Suns, and fans won’t want to miss the contest.