3 takeaways from Dallas Mavericks Game 5 playoff loss to Suns

The Dallas Mavericks were dominated by the Phoenix Suns in the pivotal Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal series on May 10. Dallas held the lead early, but the Suns roared back in the second quarter before delivering the knockout blow in the third where Phoenix outscored Dallas by 19 on their way to a 110-80 win.

Superstar Luka Doncic led the Mavericks to two straight wins in Dallas, but the Suns answered on Tuesday night. Phoenix held the Mavericks to just 80 points, and they got going in Game 5. Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, and Deandre Ayton all had arguably their best games of the series to put the Suns up 3-2 as the series shifts back to Dallas with the Mavericks needing two straight wins to advance.

It turned into an ugly night for the Mavericks, but there were plenty of takeaways for head coach Jason Kidd and his team. Dallas needs to play better or their season will end on Thursday night, and here is a look at what the Mavs can use moving forward.

3 takeaways from Dallas Mavericks Game 5 playoff loss to Phoenix Suns

Coach of the Year Monty Williams made some smart adjustments in Game 5, including using Bismack Biyombo and Landry Shamet over JaVale McGee and Cameron Payne. Both played key roles off the bench for Phoenix in the Game 5 win.

It was a night to forget for the Dallas Mavericks, especially on the offensive end of the floor. They just could not get it going at the Footprint Center on May 10, but here are three takeaways for the Mavs to use in Game 6.